Spark® Noise Dosimeters and Blaze® Software

Copyright Copyright 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 by PCB Piezotronics, Inc. This manual is copyrighted, with all rights reserved. The manual may not be copied in whole or in part for any use without prior written consent of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Disclaimer The following paragraph does not apply in any state or country where such statements are not agreeable with local law: Even though PCB Piezotronics, Inc. has reviewed its documentation, PCB Piezotronics Inc. makes no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, with respect to this instrument and documentation, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. This documentation is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment or representation by PCB Piezotronics, Inc. This publication may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. PCB Piezotronics, Inc. will periodically update the material for inclusion in new editions. Changes and improvements to the information described in this manual may be made at any time. Recycling PCB Piezotronics, Inc. is an environmentally friendly organization and encourages our customers to be environmentally conscious. When this product reaches its end of life, please recycle the product through a local recycling center or return the product to: PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Attn: Recycling Coordinator 1681 West 820 North Provo, Utah, USA 84601-1341 where it will be accepted for disposal

About This Manual
This manual has 4 chapters and 6 appendices covering the following topics: • Chapter 1 . Blaze® provides a simple way to setup the Spark® instruments. Chapter 2 . The Spark® family instruments are among the smallest. connecting to the dosimeter.Introduction: user manual overview and an introduction to the functionality and measurement capabilities of the dosimeter. The 706 and 706RC are full-featured dosimeters and sound level meters that can operate independently under manual control (via keypad). 705+. Spark® 706RC. We invite you to read this manual to achieve the best results from your Spark® instrument and Blaze® software. most powerful noise dosimeters available for work place noise measurement. 706. 705 and 705+ are similar in operation except that they have no keypad or display. download and analyze the measured data. 703+. 705. Windows XP® and Windows Vista®. making them virtually tamper proof.
•
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Introduction
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. Spark’s® rugged construction will provide you with years of trouble-free operation. Blaze® software runs on Windows NT SP4.CHAPTER
1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Spark®/Blaze® noise dosimetry system. and printing reports. setting up the dosimeter to take measurements. The 703.Using Blaze®: instructions for using the Blaze® software. downloading data from the dosimeter to a file. 703+ and 703 work integrally with the Blaze® software.

the process (what you do) is shown in the right column. Chapter 4 . this introductory chapter covers the following topics: • • Formatting Conventions: explanation of the fonts and other formatting conventions used in this manual Getting Started: instructions for unpacking. Where it is necessary to distinguish the operation of the different Spark® family instruments. and the rationale (why you do it) with other cautions and comments shown in the left column. it will be noted on the left column and described on the right.
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About This Chapter
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. and initially assembling the dosimeter.•
Chapter 3 . This chapter reviews manual operation on the 706RC and 706 via its built in keypad and on-board user interface. Especially important information is shown in italics. Appendix A – Dosimeter specifications Appendix B – Frequently Asked Questions Appendix C – Glossary Appendix D – IR Communications Troubleshooting Appendix E – Sample Reports Appendix F – Intrinsic Safety Approvals
• • • • • • •
About This Chapter
Specifically.Using the 706RC to control and upload other Spark® family instruments.Using the Spark® 706RC and 706 without Blaze®.
Formatting Conventions
This manual uses the following formatting conventions: In step-by-step directions. inspecting.

Spark® 706 RC Features
• The 706RC has the ability to connect to the 703+. and 706RC. 704. the 706RC is a fully functional Noise Dosimeter. 15. Measurement range of 40 dB to 143 dB (rms).5 dB resolution) stored at 5 minute intervals Automatic detection of Microphone Failure. 706 and other 706RC units. having all the functionality of a standard 706 instrument. Stand Alone capability. Ln statistics (1 – 99 in 0. In addition to the Remote Control functions. Spark® instruments will detect and display a warning message if the microphone is disconnected. User-programmed daily start/stop times.
•
• • •
• •
• • • SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Introduction
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. Each instrument has unique features that will fit the needs of a wide variety of users. 4 user defined time weighted average levels or calculations are also stored. 705. (Microphone failure is also recorded in the status byte of each time history record) 4 Megabytes of nonvolatile memory. or 60 second time intervals. 30. 706. The 706RC can also download and store data from several other Spark® units. Infrared interface providing transfer rates to the PC at up to 115. Peak detector range of 80 to 146 in four ranges. 703+. in four ranges. The 703.Spark® Family Features
The Larson Davis Spark® family of products meet all national and international requirements for dosimeter standards. 705+. Leq. The Remote Control functionality allows manual setup and control of the remote instrument. 705+. as well as Lmin. Max. 5. and Peak levels stored at 1. The family is segmented into 7 instruments.000 bits per second.

and criteria values. 15. Frequency Response of A and C weighting meets ANSI and IEC Standards.7 dB error from 40 to 143 dB. Detector accuracy: True RMS. Max.• • • •
PC-based setup.
•
• • • •
Spark® 706 Features
• • • • The 706 is a fully functional Noise Dosimeter. Measurement range of 40 dB to 143 dB (rms). Ln statistics (1 – 99 in 0. and Peak levels stored at 1. report generation.
•
1-4
Spark® Family Features
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.) Slow or Fast rms detection using A or C weighting. in four ranges. 30.5 dB resolution) stored at 5 minute intervals. Two standard AA internal alkaline batteries provide greater than 100 hours of continuous battery life. or 60 second time intervals. threshold. The instrument will continue to display the current SPL level. dose calculation. Noise Floor typical of 35 dBA (A-weighted) Slow/Fast (using 30 dB gain). 4 user defined time weighted average levels or calculations are also stored. (Timers can only be set from the Blaze® software. Manual setup of instrument functions. projected dose. the value is only being displayed on the screen. During this time the instrument will not be logging data. Calculation of noise exposure in percentage dose. 5. less than 0. Leq. and graphics. Continuous display of SPL level. as well as Lmin. even when the instrument is not running. SE (Pa2 hours). Peak detector range of 80 to 146 in four ranges. and Pasques (Pa2 seconds) units using a variety of exchange rates.

SE (Pa2 hours). During this time the instrument will not be logging data. and criteria values. the value is only being displayed on the screen. Noise Floor (typical) of 35 dBA (A-weighted) Slow/Fast (using 30 dB gain). Spark® instruments will detect and display a warning message if the microphone is disconnected. report generation. and Pasques (Pa2 seconds) units using a variety of exchange rates. (Microphone failure is also recorded in the status byte of each time history record). and graphics. dose calculation. User-programmed daily start/stop times.7 dB error from 40 to 143 dB. even when the instrument is not running. (Timers can only be set from the Blaze® software.) Slow or Fast rms detection using A or C weighting. 4 Megabyte of nonvolatile memory. Detector accuracy: True RMS. Two standard AA internal alkaline batteries provide greater than 100 hours of continuous battery life. Calculation of noise exposure in percentage dose.•
Automatic detection of Microphone Failure. PC-based setup.000 bits per second. Continuous display of SPL level. The instrument will continue to display the current SPL level. Infrared interface providing transfer rates to the PC at up to 115. Frequency Response of A and C weighting meets ANSI and IEC Standards.
• • • • • • •
•
• • • •
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Introduction
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. Manual setup of instrument functions. less than 0. projected dose. threshold.

Max. Infrared interface providing transfer rates to the PC at up to 115. PC-based setup. 4 Megabyte of nonvolatile memory. and Pasques (Pa2 seconds) units using a variety of exchange rates. 4 user defined time weighted average levels or calculations are also stored. Noise Floor (typical) of 35 dBA (A-weighted) Slow/Fast (using 30 dB gain).
•
Maximum security with full functionality in an extremely durable case. Spark® instruments will detect and display a warning message if the microphone is disconnected.5 dB resolution) stored at 5 minute intervals. and graphics. User-programmed daily start/stop times. dose calculation. Calculation of noise exposure in percentage dose. Frequency Response of A and C weighting meets ANSI and IEC standards. or 60 second time intervals.Spark ®703+/705+ Features
NOTE: The 703+ and 705+ are identical in operation and features.000 bits per second. The 703+ offers a tough but lightweight housing and runs on two AA batteries. Manual setup possible with the 706RC. and Peak levels stored at 1. and criteria values. Slow or Fast rms detection using A or C weighting. Measurement range of 40 dB to 143 dB (rms). threshold. in four ranges.
• • •
• •
• • • • • • •
• •
1-6
Spark® Family Features
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. SE (Pa2 hours). Faceless instrument provides indicators on face for Run Status and Battery life. 15. projected dose. Peak detector range of 80 to 146 in four ranges. (Microphone failure is also recorded in the status byte of each time history record). Leq. 30. report generation. The 705+ offers an extruded metal housing and runs on a single AA battery. 5. Automatic detection of Microphone Failure. Ln statistics (1 – 99 in 0. as well as Lmin.

report generation. (705+ only) One standard AA internal alkaline battery provides greater than 35 hours of continuous battery life. Peak detector range of 80 to 146 in four ranges. projected dose. 4 Megabyte of nonvolatile memory. PC-based setup.7 dB error from 40 to 143 dB.• • •
Detector accuracy: True RMS. (Microphone failure is also recorded in the status byte of each time history record). threshold. and Pasques (Pa2 seconds) units using a variety of exchange rates. Leq. Automatic detection of Microphone Failure. and graphics.
Spark® 703/705 Features
NOTE: The 703 and 705 are identical in operation and features. Spark® instruments will detect and display a warning message if the microphone is disconnected. 5. Calculation of noise exposure in percentage dose.000 bits per second. 30. The 703 offers a tough but lightweight housing and runs on two AA batteries. dose calculation. and Peak levels stored at 1. or 60 second time intervals. Infrared interface providing transfer rates to the PC at up to 115. and criteria values. as well as Lmin.5 dB resolution) stored at 5 minute intervals. Ln statistics (1 – 99 in 0. Introduction 1-7
• • •
• •
• • • • • •
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. Faceless instrument provides indicators on face for Run Status and Battery life. The 705 offers an extruded metal housing and runs on a single AA battery. (703+ only) Two standard AA internal alkaline batteries provide greater than 100 hours of continuous battery life. in four ranges. 4 user defined time weighted average levels or calculations are also stored. Slow or Fast rms detection using A or C weighting. Max. less than 0. User-programmed daily start/stop times. Measurement range of 40 dB to 143 dB (rms). 15.
•
Maximum security with full functionality in an extremely durable case. SE (Pa2 hours).

6mm) diameter microphone. 705.
The 706RC and 706 are fully functional dosimeters that are controlled either independently (via their own keypads and display) or by the Blaze® software. The 705+. The following topics are covered: • • SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Unpacking and Inspection Assembling the dosimeter Introduction 1-9
. and 703+ The Spark® family instruments include a 3/8 in.
Getting Started
This section outlines the steps to follow after unpacking the dosimeter.• •
Detector accuracy: True RMS.
Spark® Instruments
NOTE: The 706. Two standard AA internal alkaline batteries provide greater than 100 hours of continuous battery life.7 dB error from 40 to 143 dB. since they maintain a tamperproof configuration with no keypad or display. 703+ and 703 are programmed using the Blaze® software only. 705+ and 703+ can also be controlled by the 706RC. 705+. less than 0.
Figure 1-1 706. (10.

• • • • •
Standard and Optional Accessories Installing the Batteries Connecting the dosimeter to a PC Environmental Considerations Data Retention
You will then be ready to use the dosimeter for actual measurements (as described later in Chapter 2 of this manual). and retain the product packaging for safe shipment at a future date. The
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Getting Started
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.
Unpacking and Inspection
Your Spark® dosimeter has been shipped in protective packaging. at (888)-258-3222. Report any damage or shortage immediately to Larson Davis. You may be asked to give this information in any future communications with Larson Davis. Please verify the package contents with the list Accessories and Optional Equipment later in this chapter. please record your instrument’s serial number (located on the label on the back of the dosimeter) and the purchase date at the beginning of this manual (see the copyright page). If you have not already done so. The Spark® 704 is identical except that it has no IR Port. Inc. The following system diagram (Figure 1-2) illustrates the standard configuration of the Spark® 706/706RC.

Figure 1-6 The CCS018 protective case Important: When removing the dosimeter from the pouch.
To insert the two AA batteries in the dosimeter. Do not replace the batteries in an explosive environment. slide the dosimeter into the conforming pouch and secure the Velcro® strap. This can cause damage.Step 3
If you wish to use the protective carrying case (recommended). remove the battery cover on the back of the instrument. and 703
NOTE: Only AA type batteries can be used in the Spark instruments. 704. 706. 703+. Instead.
WARNING!
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Getting Started
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. push the dosimeter at the bottom of the pouch while firmly holding the sides.
Installing Batteries in the 706RC. do not pull microphone connector.

Figure 1-7 Moving the battery door sliding tab Step 2 Grasp the sides of the battery door (towards the top of the dosimeter) and pull outward to remove.Step 1
Move the sliding tab towards the bottom (away from the microphone end) of the dosimeter.
Figure 1-8 Opening the battery door
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.

705. Operating continuously.NOTE: When installing batteries into a 703 or 703+. or communicating via the IR port will reduce the battery life. depending on the operating mode. This time can be extended by up to 60 seconds if there is data in the units memory. this startup screen may be displayed from 3 to 90 seconds. carefully remove and replace them with new AA batteries. the instrument startup screen will be displayed. Depending on how much data is already in memory. the dosimeter will last beyond 100 hours. Replace the door by first inserting the bottom side of the battery cover in the dosimeter case. Using the backlight. and 705+ indicators."
Step 3
If there are batteries in the unit.See section titled "703/703+/705/705+ Front Panel Indicators" for further details on the 703. During this time the instrument is checking previously stored data in memory. or 705+. 705.
Figure 1-10 Locking the battery door Internal battery life varies.703+.
When installing batteries into the 706 or 706RC.
Figure 1-9 Re-inserting the battery door Step 4 Move the top side of the battery cover flush against the dosimeter case. Then move the sliding tab to its original “up” position. both indicator LEDs should illuminate when the batteries are first installed for approximately 5 seconds.
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Getting Started
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.

Step 1 To remove the battery door. Do not replace the batteries in an explosive environment.
To insert the AA battery in the 705 dosimeter.
Figure 1-12 Battery compartment
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. unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the 705 using a flat-bladed screwdriver. remove the battery cover on the bottom of the instrument.Installing Batteries in the 705/705+
NOTE: Only AA type batteries can be used in the Spark instruments.
WARNING!
Figure 1-11 Removing the battery door Step 2 Remove the battery door to expose the battery compartment.

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Installing Batteries in the 705/705+
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. 703+.
The 706RC.
Figure 1-13 Replacing the battery Step 4 Replace the door by aligning the battery door with the bottom of the 705.Step 3
If there is a battery in the unit. 706. we recommend the following batteries and battery chargers. Re-tighten the screws to secure the battery door in place using a screwdriver.
Figure 1-14 Replacing the battery door
Using Rechargeable Batteries
NOTE: Only AA type batteries can be used in the Spark instruments. 703 dosimeters can provide over 40 hours (15 hours for 705 and 705+) continuous operation with NiCD and NiMH rechargeable batteries. carefully remove and replace with a new AA battery.
Note: The instrument should not be operated in an explosive environment if using any batteries other than those approved and listed in Intrinsic Safety Approvals on page F-1. If you wish to use rechargeable batteries rather than alkaline cells. 704.

Therefore. do not leave the instrument in direct sunlight inside a vehicle. and may persist long after the outside case has adjusted to the ambient temperature. For example. See pages A-3 for further environmental considerations. some precautions should be taken. DVX008A. temperatures inside closed vehicles can reach excessive levels.
Figure 1-15 External IR Interface Modules External IR interfaces connect to the computer’s serial or USB port. allow the dosimeter ample time to adjust to abrupt temperature changes. information regarding
Data Retention
The measurement data gathered by the dosimeter is stored in non-volatile memory. A simple safeguard is to keep the instrument inside a sealed foam insulated case or bag with desiccant silica gel. Therefore. the data will not be lost if SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
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Installing Batteries in the 705/705+
. available at photographic equipment stores or from Larson Davis (LD part number DSC001). or DVX009 see “706RC/706/ 705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting” on page D-1 The dosimeter can be used and stored in a wide range of temperature and non-condensing humidity conditions. However. Also. Condensation may form inside a cold dosimeter if it is brought into a warm room or vehicle. If you need assistance in installing or configuring the DVX008..

The install program installs the program files. The drivers for both the DVX008A and DVX009 can be ® installed during the Blaze install. the Blaze software will prompt the user to enter a product serial number. The serial number is located on the bot® tom of the Blaze CD. ensure that they are not connected during the installation process.exe or the drive letter of your CD Rom and press the OK button. and replace the batteries when they are running low.
NOTE: During the installation proce® dure. In order to avoid losing the clock settings and having the dosimeter stop during a measurement. However. and the built in clock will lose time and date information should the batteries run out. Type in the Run window: d:\setup.the batteries expire. In this case. For Windows XP and Vista users. If you are planning to use either of these IR interface modules. When the driver install screen appears (for the DVX009 driver install only) be sure to check the box labeled "Launch the CP210x VCP Driver installer" if you are planning on using the DVX009. data should be downloaded and the batteries changed at the end of every 100 hours of continuous usage (35 hours of continuous usage for the 705+ and 705). and prompts for any additional required information. a PCB Piezotronics/Blaze menu item is created under the All Programs menu item in the Start menu. the dosimeter will halt data gathering. Good measurement practice is to download data after every shift.
Installing the Blaze® Software
To install the Blaze® software in Windows®: Step 1 Step 2 Select Run from the Start menu on the Task bar at the bottom of the Windows® desktop. Enter the product serial number found ® on your Blaze CD in the Serial Number fields.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Introduction
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. the clock settings will need to be re-entered using the Blaze® software.

you will be prompted as follows:
®
®
Selecting Yes takes you to the first screen of the install wizard
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Installing Batteries in the 705/705+
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. When installing Blaze .Blaze now contains the drivers needed to accept the DVX009 IR-to-USB adaptor. The following screens illustrate the process of installing the drivers.

SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Introduction 1-23
.Click Next
Click "I accept the terms of the license agreement” and then click Next.

Click Next
Click Next
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Installing Batteries in the 705/705+
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.

Click Install
Click No. Note: If you are reinstalling Blaze . ® or installing Blaze on a machine that already has this driver installed.
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Installing Batteries in the 705/705+
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.Check the "Launch the CP210x VCP Driver Installer" box and click Finish. the display will look as follows:
®
Click Yes to obtain the following screen.

Check the "Maintain or update the instance of this application selected below" and then select the first entry in the listbox. Click Next and continue the wizard.
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.

Gr een Power Indicator LED . Indicat es when the instrument is turned on with 4 indication modes: 1. When powering up, both LED's turn on steady. The inst rument is checking st ored data in memory. This time is from 3 to 90 sec onds.

Red Batter y Indicator LED: 4 indication modes:

1. Blinks once every 3 seconds: 8 hours of battery life remaining. 2. Blinks twice every 3 seconds: Only 4 hours of battery life remain 3. (NEW) Quickly blinks three times: IR connection is failing - low battery. 4. (NEW) Blinks onc e every 10 seconds: The battery MUST be replaced; or no further operation can occ ur.

Using Larson Davis Blaze® Software
To start the Blaze® software in Windows®: Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Click on the Start menu on the Task bar at the bottom of the Windows® desktop. Go to the All Programs submenu. From the PCB Piezotronics submenu (or wherever the program was installed), select Blaze®.

Starting Blaze® Software

Blaze® Main Window

When the Blaze® software is fully loaded, the Blaze® Main window is displayed.

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Just below the menu bar is the tool bar.

The tool bar provides quick access to commonly used software functions. The following table describes each toolbar function in detail. The connect button will make the connection to the Spark® instrument currently in range of the IR port. The Disconnect button will terminate the connection between Blaze® and the Spark® instrument in range. The Open File button will bring up a standard Windows browse window that will allow the user to open an existing database record. The Save file button will bring up a standard Windows Save File dialog box, that will allow the user to save the current Blaze® file. The dialog window will also allow the user to select a file name and location. The Instrument Manager button will bring up the Instrument manager screen. The user can then setup the instrument, set the clock, download data files, etc. The Query Files button brings up a dialog window that will allow the user to search through the existing Spark® database records for records containing specific items. The Set Result Parameters button will bring up a dialog box that will allow the user to select from different dose settings, change Ln Values, and place general information onto the current record. The Merge Records button will allow the user to combine 2 or more downloaded records into a single record.

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SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual

The Average File Records button permits the user to select different files and then select a record from each of these files to average together. The Modify Time History Interval button will allow the user to change the time history period for the current record. The Time History Graph will bring up a time history graph for the current database record. The Statistics Graph Button will produce statistics graphs for the current database record. The Spectrum Graph Button is not used with Spark.

The Graph Multiple File Button permits the user to select different files and then select records from each to be plotted on a single graph. This function can also be accessed from the Main Menu by clicking on Window and then on Multi-File Graph in the drop-down menu. The Measurement Log Button is not used with Spark. The Print button will print the currently displayed record. It will print the current selection, whether it is a Time History Graph, a Statistics Graph, or the text data as displayed on the screen. The Print Reports button will give you access to the predefined reports that Blaze® can print. The Export Data button will export the currently displayed record as a Comma-Delimited File that can be opened in a spreadsheet application. It will also allow the user to select the output location and file name, and whether or not to automatically launch the viewer application.

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and if data has been downloaded from the Spark® instrument.
On the left side of the screen you’ll find the Session Log. if the connected Spark® instrument is running or stopped.
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. the serial number of the Spark® instrument. This indicates if the PC is currently connected to a Spark® instrument. It also indicates if the unit has been calibrated.The About button will bring up the Blaze® splash screen with the current revision number. This useful area provides information with respect to the status of an active (connected) Spark® instrument. . The Session Log will be automatically updated when any of these operations has occurred.

click on the down arrow to the right of the item in the "Select Inst. move on to the next section to select the type of IR connection. select Spark and then left click. This manual is concerned only with it’s use with Spark units.
Select the IR Connection Type Note: Once these parameters have been set. use the left mouse key to select Options/Connections which will display the Connection Setting dialog box.Operating System
Blaze software is compatible with Windows NT SP4. Type:" field to open the pull-down menu.
®
Selecting the Spark Instrument The Blaze software can be used with either the Spark instruments or the IHVM100 Human Vibration Meter. or press Enter.
®
If the data field associated with "Select Inst. Windows XP and Windows Vista. If using a DVX008. If not. it is necessary to set up the connection to work with the Spark instrument. To do this. Type:" already indicates "Spark". select which COM port it is attached to. to close the menu. you need only to click the “Connect” icon on the toolbar to initiate a connection. These all will appear in the Select COM Port pull down menu as the following: • • DVX008 appears as "COMn <Communications Port>" DVX008A with DVX008 appears as "COMn <DVX008A ATEN Serial to USB Bridge with DVX008>""
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. or select the DVX008A or DVX009 if one of these is being used instead. which will bring the Blaze main window to the computer screen.
®
Selecting the Communication Method
After loading the software.

Aim the IR window on the top of the instrument toward the Larson Davis IR interface module. During the connect process. the user can use the Blaze Connection Wizard.
When using the IR port. For additional information regarding first time setup of the IR interface module. v to power the unit up.•
DVX009 appears as "COMn <DVX009 Infrared (IR) interface with USB>" If connecting to a 706/706RC. The 703/703+/705/705+ will automatically turn on when it is placed in front of an active IR port. which then updates the Session Log with the serial number of the Spark® instrument.
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Selecting the Communication Method
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. please refer to Appendix B of this manual. along with its serial number. The data and time of the connection is also shown. Although distance and angle tolerance may very from PC to PC. information is read from the Spark® instrument. the Blaze® software will automatically select the Baud rate and Port. Run/stop status is updated whenever initiated by the software. press the ON key. The wizard can be started by clicking on Options in the main menu and Connection Wizard.
Step 1
Step 2
®
Blaze can only communicate with one Spark® instrument at a time.
For the first time setup of the computers IR port.
®
Once a connection has been made. for optimal data transfer performance it is recommended that the instrument be placed a distance between one and three feet from the IR interface module.
Step 3
Click the Connect button on the Blaze toolbar. the Session Log will be updated to show that a Spark® instrument is connected.

the instrument’s serial number. Before connecting another Spark® instrument you must first disconnect the currently connected Spark® instrument by clicking on the Disconnect button before re-establishing a new connection.5V for 705/705+ if using alkaline batteries).
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. the firmware version.
Important! You must “disconnect” ® from the Blaze software before physically moving the Spark® instrument away from the IR device. the remaining battery voltage (note that full voltage is approximately 3. It contains information about the currently connected Spark® instrument. and clicking on the Disconnect button. the date/time of the Spark® instruments built in clock.
The Instrument Manager window also appears on the screen. and the date/time from your computer. The Instrument Manager contains tabbed pages for performing various Spark® instrument functions.00V for the 703/703+ if using alkaline batteries or approximately 1. The page that appears initially is the Instrument Status page. the number of records used (up to 50) and the remaining run time based on the free memory and current data storage selections. the available free memory in the Spark® instrument.To view the instrument manager window the Spark® instrument must be connected. the remaining run time. This is accomplished by closing the Instrument Manager dialog box.

Setting the Spark instrument clock
To set the date and time of the built-in clock of the Spark® instrument do the following: Step 1 Press Set Time. date/ time with PC" and left click Set. This will bring up the Synchronize data and time with computer Set date and time
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Setting the Spark® instrument clock
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.
®
This will open the Instrument Date and Time Window.
There are two methods of setting the data and time: • • Synchronize Date and Time with Computer “Synchronize to computer time". forces the active Spark® instrument’s internal clock to match that of the connected computer. Left click the check box to the left of the text "Synch.

To adjust the time.message shown below to indicate that this action has been completed. To change the date.
Click on the appropriate date to change the date of the Spark® instrument.
Set Date and Time Manually
Do not left click the check box.
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. A calendar will appear
. To change months. click on the down arrow in the date pulldown menu. click on the left or right arrow at the top of the calendar. click in the Time Field on the hour/ minute/second that you would like to change. but use the down arrows for the two data fields. "Instrument Date" and "Instrument Time" to set these values.

The remaining tabbed pages in the Instrument Manager will be discussed in the sections that follow. you can re-open it by pressing the Instrument Manager button on the toolbar.
This will bring up the message shown below to indicate that this action has been completed.
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Setting the Spark® instrument clock
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. Step 2 Press Set to send the selected date and time to the Spark® instruments built in clock.Use the up and down arrows in the time field to adjust the clock. The Instrument Manager window will then reappear.
If you inadvertently close the Instrument Manager window.

Remove microphone windscreen and insert the Spark® instrument microphone fully into the calibrator microphone opening. the calibration will not be changed. To calibrate. If you are using a Larson Davis CAL150 or CAL200. if the signal is out of range.0 depending on the setting of the adjustable level switch.
®
Step 1
First. verify that the Calibrator Level field contains the appropriate output level of your calibrator. Activate the calibrator.)
Step 2
Figure 2-1 Calibrating the SparkTM SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Using Larson Davis Blaze® Software 2-11
. the value could be set to either 94. this should be set to 114.0.Calibrating the Spark instrument
It is always good practice to calibrate your Spark® instrument before each measurement. (The instrument will verify that the signal from the calibrator is within the proper range.
If you are using a Larson Davis Model CAL250. select the Calibrate tab from the Instrument Manger window to show the Calibrate page.0 or 114.

If you click Yes. The Last
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. Notice that the “Last Calibration” field has been updated to reflect this most recent calibration.
®
You will see that a bar appears on the screen showing the calibration in progress.
Step 4
Click Yes to accept this calibration or click Cancel to abort the calibration process. When the bar is at 100%. the calibration is complete. within the Calibration window. The following message appears.
Calibration Information
The Calibration Information area is located on the left side of the screen.Step 3
Press Calibrate on the Blaze calibrate menu to initiate the calibration process. your Spark® instrument is now calibrated.

To get the pre and post calibration’s to show up on the ® summary report. Each time a Spark® instrument is calibrated. preamp. like having the calibrator switched to an incorrect output level. and will function normally. By calibrating with the ® CAL150 and the Blaze software. depending on those varied microphone sensitivities.Calibration field contains the date and time a calibration was performed on the connected Spark® instrument. an entry is logged in the calibration history database. you could see a larger difference in your offset and deviation as different microphones have different sensitivities. the software recognizes the earlier. Under this circumstance do not be alarmed by this large change in offset and deviation. If you calibrate every time with the ® Blaze software you will always get pre and post calibration information. accidental abuse or neglect of the microphone A significant change (over +/. A calibration compares the dB level being read by the Spark® instrument with a known dB level coming from the calibrator. This offset naturally changes from instrument to instrument. The difference between the two dB levels becomes the calibration deviation for the Spark® instrument which is added to the relative output of the Spark® instrument. The calibration history can be reviewed by pressing the View Calibration History Button. cold.5 dB) in deviation after calibration may indicate an instrument error or drift. microphone. as the instrument will correct itself for the new microphone sensitivity. This is how the instrument "corrects" itself to compensate for the "drift" that the instrument may experience during its lifetime. This opens the Calibration History window
NOTE: The dosimeter only "remembers" the last time it was calibrated. The Deviation Field is very important as it can alert you to problems with your Spark® instrument. When connected to ® software this date is Blaze recorded as the "pre-calibration" date.
Calibration History
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. The Offset number generated before leaving the factory is entered into a log for the service technicians to be able to track how the dosimeter has adjusted or corrected itself over time to deal with varying microphone sensitivities. Calibration Offset The offset field displays an "Offset number" each time a calibration is performed. If you happen to change the microphone. or most recent calibration. The serial number of the connected Spark® instrument is shown in the Serial Number field. and adds it along with the post calibration that you just performed using the ® CAL150 and the Blaze software. It can also indicate an error in the calibration process. use the Blaze software at least every other time you do a calibration.1. and/or calibrator. making adjustments internally to compensate for varying microphone sensitivities due to environmental considerations like heat. humidity. or a problem with the microphone as described above.

and can be turned on or off by selecting the appropriate "Print Cal History Info" checkbox. and the date and time of calibration.
In this window. The calibration history displays a table.
Printing Calibration Data
A calibration history can be included in the printed Summary Report. or in the field using a Larson Davis 706RC. The option to print calibration information on the Summary Report can be found on the toolbar as a drop down menu after clicking on the Options tab. microphone. The data from the last or most recent calibration done in the Spark® instrument is saved and added to the selected calibration log. Again. the Spark® instrument offset after calibration. You can refer to the calibration log to view the intervening calibrations if desired.0 software. the printing of the pre and post calibration information on the Summary Report can be turned on or off by selecting the appropriate
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.. Different microphones will usually require different calibration offset values. Each row lists the serial number of the calibrated Spark® instrument. This alert can also indicate to the user that the microphone has been replaced with a different one since last calibrating the instrument. Each row of the table presents information for one calibration.
A deviation of greater than a few dB between calibrations should alert you to a potential problem with your Spark® instrument. the dB level of the calibrator used. If there is a merged record with intervening calibrations between the pre and post calibration. the history of a single Spark® instrument can be studied by making a selection from the pull down menu (when the “Display selected serial number" radio button is used). or calibrator. Alternatively. This allows you to pre-calibrate the instrument either in the office using Blaze 3. you can view all the calibration histories from each of the Spark® instrument’s that have been connected to your PC by choosing the "Display all serial numbers" radio button. the report will indicate the number of calibrations performed between the pre and post calibration.

"Print Cal History Info" checkbox in the Options/Settings menu option. Press Close to exit the Calibration History window.
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and Criterion Duration. or 30 dB) can be set. 10. Detector rate (fast or slow). OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 2-16 Setting the Spark® instrument to Collect Data SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. 30. you can establish the Exchange Rate.Setting the Spark instrument to Collect Data
To collect data. Threshold Level.
®
General Settings
Click the General Settings tab to view the Spark® instrument settings. or 60 seconds). simultaneous dose measurements. Time history sample interval (1. the properties for RMS weighting (A or C). Each of these terms is defined in the glossary located in Appendix B of this manual. For each of the four doses. You can also establish settings for four separate. Criterion Level. The settings used for your particular dose measurement are dictated by the applicable government body that regulates these issues within your country. Peak Weighting (C or unweighted). 5. you should establish the type of data and time periods for which data will be collected. . 15. These options are set in the General Settings and Auto-Timer pages. 20.
Within this page. and Gain (0. In the United States.

click on the down arrow on the right side of the field
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. Changing settings is accomplished by selecting a choice from the pull-down menu next to each field. the following is a list of the appropriate settings • • • • • • • RMS Weighting – A Peak Weighting – Unweighted Detector Rate – Slow Exchange Rate – 5 dB Threshold Level – 80 dB Criterion Level – 90 dB Criterion Time – 8 hours
Modifying the General Settings
The Spark® instrument settings can be modified in the General Settings window. Step 1 To change the setting of an item with a pull-down menu.defines these parameters. If you are measuring to OSHA regulations. or by typing directly into the field.

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.
Step 2
Use the up or down arrow on your computer keyboard to cycle through the options and highlight your choice..

RMS Weighting
The choices are A or C. The “Sample Interval of the Time History” determines how often a sample is stored in the Spark® instrument. The instrument detector converts the sound signal into a useful form by first squaring the signal. The Spark® instrument has a Peak detector that responds rapidly to changing sound levels. The Peak is the maximum sound level during a given time interval when the normal frequency and time weighting is NOT used. such as A-weighting and C-weighting. The Spark® instrument supports either a SLOW or FAST detector. then taking the mean value. During this process. Time SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Peak Weighting
Detector Setting
Sample Interval
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. Peak weighting is independent of the RMS weighting. and finally taking the square root (Root-Mean-Square). Peak weighting is the weighting (attenuation) of the peak detector. The RMS (Root-Mean-Square) detector is used to collect data and is typically set to SLOW for dosimetry measurements.. Possible selections are C weighted or Unweighted. unlike the normal time weighting (RMS) of the instrument. certain frequencies can be selectively attenuated (weighted). so the resultant level better corresponds to human hearing.

Each dose can have independently set dose parameters (exchange rates. The Alkaline battery selection is the default selection. Alkaline. only approved alkaline batteries can be used in this instrument. (See page A-9 for approved batteries. The battery type selection allows the user to select the type of battery they wish to use. WARNING! In explosive environments. criterion levels. Gain For general dosimetry measurements. Dose 3. the gain should be set to 0 dB. The three selections are. Exchange rate is defined in ANSI S1. Furthermore. A longer Sample Interval (1-minute) is normally sufficient for work noise exposure surveys. the user can reset them all to the default values by pressing the Defaults Button. but requires more Spark® instrument memory. and criterion times). Dose 2. NiCD.) The Spark® instrument is capable of measuring 4 simultaneous noise dose measurements (Dose 1. The NiCD and NiMH batteries must be user provided. The criterion level and criterion time can be changed after the data is downloaded. 20. Although the dose default values can be changes as described below. and Dose 4). or 30 dB) will allow you to measure lower sound pressure levels. it is not necessary or advisable for dose measurements. Possible values for this
Battery Type
Dose
Dose Default Values
Exchange Rate
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. threshold levels. Blaze® software allows you to setup each of the dose parameters for each of the dose calculations. and NiMH. A short Sample Interval (1-second) will provide excellent resolution. It is important that this selection be accurate so that the remaining battery time indicator is accurate.25 as “the change in sound level corresponding to a doubling or halving of the duration of sound level while a constant percentage of criterion exposure is maintained”. Adding gain (using 10. While this feature is very useful for general sound level meter measurements.Histories are very helpful if you wish to see how the sound varies during the measurement period. Blaze® is capable of partially recomputing dose combination’s after the acquired data has been downloaded into the software. and alkaline’s are the factory supplied batteries.

or 6.A. In order to satisfy both requirements of required 1 second data and the user's desire ® for larger sample intervals. the threshold level is typically set to 0 dB.field are 3. Metric
This metric is the summation of the acoustical energy of impact measured in dB (Peak.
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.)
S.. To calculate and store the SEA data. Blaze will download the 1 second Peak data from the Spark and calculate the SEA. Otherwise. The SEA data will be displayed in the Summary section of all reports if it is selected. When the "Store SEA data" check box is checked.E.S. A value of 3 will produce Leq-like levels. it will not be calculated and will not be displayed.25 defines threshold as “a sound level below which the dosimeter produces little or no dose accumulation as specified in this standard.
Criterion Level (dB)
Criterion Duration (hrs. and then click on the "Advanced" button. only the Unweighted option will be available in the Peak Weighting combo box. Criterion duration is typically 8 hours. Because the metric is for impact peak data. The current OSHA threshold is 80 dB. The formula used by Blaze is: SEA = 10 log10[∑10lw/10 ] where lw is the unweighted Peak value exceeding or equal to 120 dB. the Spark must take 1 second data even if the desired sample interval is greater than one second. The current OSHA exchange rate is 5. connect to the spark. ® Blaze will then compress the 1 second data into the desired time intervals. It also must set the Peak weighting to "Unweighted". Criterion Level is the level of sound that will produce a dose of 100% if continually applied for the criterion time. SEA cannot be calculated if it was not done at download time. The current OSHA criterion level is 90 dB. Threshold Level (dB) ANSI S1. unweighted) greater or equal ® to 120 dB. Outside of the U. Once a file has been saved. 4. select the General Settings tab. Criterion duration is the time required for a continually applied sound of the selected criterion level to produce a dose of 100%. 5.” Noise levels below the threshold will not be included in the Spark® instrument dose computation.

The first warning message indicates that if you have files stored in the Spark that were generated before selecting the "Store SEA metric". the sample interval for the stored files may change when downloaded. It also displays warnings about using the SEA metric. This will happen if the stored file(s) was taken with 1 second time interval and then the user does the following steps:
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.This will display the "Advanced Settings" dialog box (shown below) with the Store SEA check box.

This makes it possible to set up the instrument configurations once. This allows you to set up a library of alternate instrument setting configurations as needed or required by the applicable governing body.
User Defined Configurations
Once you have selected the instrument settings for your particular measurement you can save them as the default or as a custom setup. If the user desires 60 second data. A window will appear to allow you to name the setup. Step 1 To save the current parameters as a setup click on "Save".
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. and save them for quick and easy instrument configuration at any time in the future.• • • •
·Selects Show SEA ·Sets the Sample Interval to other than 1 second ·Configures the instrument ·Downloads.
®
Blaze will compress the file into the new sample interval ® and the 1 second data will be lost if you tell Blaze to delete the files after download. The second warning is the result of forcing the Spark to take 1 second data even though the user desires a higher sample interval. the actual run time will decrease by a factor of about 60 because it will use up almost 60 times more memory.

You will notice all of the new setups that have been saved.Step 2
Type in the name of the configuration and click "OK".
NOTE: You can save as many setups as you would like.
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.
Step 3
Click on the configuration pulldown menu to select a setup. This will save the new setup and the new name will now show up in the configuration field.

The Auto-Timer can be programmed at any time prior to the required date/time. You also set the amount of time you require the Spark® instrument to measure before it automatically stops and turns itself off. Press Yes to continue .
Setting the Auto-Timer
NOTE: Setting a timer mode. Press the Auto-Timer tab to enter the Auto-Timer page. To delete a setup. press Configure to upload these parameters into the Spark® instrument. The following message will appear. It will now appear in the configuration field.Step 4
To select a setup simply highlight your setup of choice and click on it. Click on the "Delete" button.
Step 5
Saving the Instrument Settings
Once you have developed the settings you wish to use.
The Auto-Timer is used to establish the date and time when you wish to have the Spark® instrument automatically turn on and gather data.
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. or other ® settings will have no affect on the Spark instrument until the Set Timer Button is pushed. click on the configuration pulldown menu and select the setup you would like to delete.

Timer Off
This is used to turn off the automatic timer and must be done if you need to start and stop the Spark® instrument manually (this is done in the Manual Control tab). Block Timer.
Use the Timer Mode popup field to select one of the following timer modes: Timer Off.
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..
Block Timer
You can establish both a start date and start time and an end date and end time of a measurement by selecting Block Timer from the pull down menu. . Repeat Twice Daily. Repeat Once Daily.

Times are chosen by using the Start/Stop Time fields. the appropriate Start/Stop dates and times can be selected using the Date and Time pull-down menus.Once the Block Timer is selected. Select the Dates by clicking in the calendar. Click on the hour and use the up and down arrows to increment to
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M.M.).
Repeat Once Daily
Repeat Once Daily mode allows you to select a Start Time/ Date and a Stop Time/Date that spans several days. the start/stop time 1 might be 8:00 A. This mode is selected if you wish to turn on and off the Spark® instrument automatically for a daily work shift such as 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P. to 5:00 P. and 12:00 P. be certain there is enough battery life to complete the test.
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. You may need to change batteries in the Spark® instrument between shifts.
The Spark® instrument will run continuously from the Start Date/Time to the Stop Date/Time. Start/stop time 2 could then be 1:00 P. This typically is used when you wish to disable the Spark® instrument during the lunch hour.M.M. every day between the start and stop date the meter will turn on and off for this work shift.M. The instrument would then stop gathering data between the lunch hour (12 to 1 P.
Repeat Twice Daily
Repeat Twice Daily provides a means for entering two start and stop times for each day.the desired hour. The same process is used for the minute and seconds selection. Setting the Repeat Once Daily and Repeat Twice Daily Auto-Timers are handled in the same way as the Block Timer. While you can set the Spark® instrument’s timer mode for an extended period of time.M. In this case.

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. At this point.
Instrument Settings
Pressing Instrument Settings interrogates the connected Spark® instrument and downloads its Timer settings into the Auto-Timer page.
Default Settings
Default Settings recalls the previously saved Timer defaults and brings them into the Auto-Timer page. This button sends all the settings found in the Automatic Timer window to the connected Spark® instrument including the timer start and stop dates/times.Set Timer
The Set Timer button enables the connected Spark® instrument’s automatic timer. and turns the timer on. you ® may exit the Blaze software as the Spark® instrument will be ready to collect data.

press Save as Default.
Manual Control of the Spark instrument
Manual Control provides a means to operate the Spark® instrument remotely from the Blaze® software. Max) in the live display Lock the Spark® instrument
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. These will now be the Timer values shown when the "Default Settings" button is pressed.Save as Default
If you would like to establish these Auto-Timer settings to be the “default” values. Step 1 Press the Manual Control tab in the Instrument Manager window. the following operations can be performed: • • • • • Run the Spark® instrument Stop the Spark® instrument Reset the data to clear the Spark® instrument memory View live data (SPL. Leq.
®
From the Manual Control page. Peak.

Step 4 Click on the pull-down menu at the lower left corner of the Live Display.• •
Unlock the Spark® instrument Refresh the Manual Control screen Press the Run button to start a measurement
Step 2
Notice that the Instrument Status area in the Manual Control page has changed to “RUNNING” to indicate that the Spark® instrument is in the run mode. but the current SPL value in the lower left field of the Live Display window can also be seen.
Step 3
Press Live Display to see a 50-second window of the running SPL (Sound Pressure Level) time history.
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Not only can the graphical representation of the SPL be viewed. Also note that the Session Log has been updated to reflect the running status of the Spark® instrument.

Leq.
Step 5
Select Leq.
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. Press Stop to halt the Spark® instrument.Other parameters can also be viewed. Lmax.
Step 6 Step 7
Press OK to close the Live Display window. Now the Live Display window is showing the current Leq level. and Lpeak can all be viewed instead of the current SPL.

Also note that the Session Log has been updated to reflect the Stop status of the Spark® instrument.The Instrument Status area in the Manual Control page has changed to “STOPPED” to indicate that the Spark® instrument is no longer running.
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.

WARNING! Caution should be exercised when using this function. To set the lock via ® Blaze : Step 1 Press Lock
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. This renders the Spark® virtually tamperproof during operation. the Sparks® display and keypad are disabled. The Lock is activated. When the Lock is activated. click on the Clear All Data Button. This deletes the measurement data residing in the on-board memory of the Spark® instrument. and deactivated by way of a 4-digit user defined password. as deleted data cannot be recovered.
®
Setting the Lock Using Blaze
Spark® instruments have a very useful keypad Lock feature.To clear the memory in the connected Spark® instrument. Data that you wish to save should be downloaded prior to using the Reset Data function.

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.
The Spark® Lock has now been disabled as indicated in the Lock Status field.The unit is automatically unlocked when connected to the software.

Downloading Data from the Spark instrument to the PC
If download fails. the number is 1.
®Ι
Each data record stored in the Spark® instrument contains an Ln Table (statistics table). and a Time History table. This will typically be the work shift you are measuring (8 hours for example).
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. The total number of data records (with its own Ln Table and Time History) is listed in the Download page. A data record is a measurement segment that has a distinct run and stop segment. see “Troubleshooting Download Problems” on page -2-103 Step 1 Press the Download tab to enter the Download page. In this example.

the following dialog box is displayed into which information can be entered using the computer keyboard. Pressing OK will continue the download process.
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By selecting the Add General Records Info. As soon as the download is initiated. box before downloading.Adding General Information During Download
The Download dialog box has a check box entitled “Add General Records Info” as shown below. this information will be stored with all downloaded records and there will be no further interruptions during the remainder of the download process. you will be able to add general information to each of the downloaded records during the download process.
If the Use for all Downloaded records box is selected prior to download.

When the download is complete. Notice that the Session Log indicates that one download has occurred (along with the date and time of the download). The check box and data field associated with the text "Display Limit Line on Graphs" permits the addition of a reference line to a time history graph as described in the section. Setting a Reference Line on page 2-66 Step 2 Press the Download button to download the data from the Spark® instrument to the PC.Note: The general information stored during download can be modified later or. permitting the user to modify the general information to be stored with that particular record before the next record is downloaded. A horizontal bar will show the progress of the download for each data record. if it had not been added during download.
A “Data Transfer in Progress” window will appear on the screen. it can be added later as well Setting a Reference Line
If the Use for all Downloaded records box is not selected. the same dialog box will be opened as each record is downloaded. the following message will appear
This will indicate a successful transfer of the data records from the Spark® instrument to the PC via the Blaze® software.
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location and measurement results. select No to view the Blaze® measurement summary window
Measurement Summary
This window presents a summary of complete information from the first measurement record. Job description.
If you wish to clear the Spark® instrument internal memory at this point. Otherwise. total run time. You can view the summary regardless of whether or not memory has been cleared. the start and stop times for the measurement. This field is blank until information is entered in these fields as described in the Set Parameters section on page 2-49.If the Spark® instrument is running when Download is pressed. . press Yes. This General Information section lists User. the unit will stop running and the download will occur. and sample interval of the time history that was gathered. Other information listed in this General Information section includes the Spark® instrument serial and model numbers.
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.

Each time a button is clicked.
The measurement summary will display data for those doses whose corresponding buttons in this toolbar are highlighted. it’s status will change from highlighted to not-highlighted. Projected Dose.The Results section contains the Dose. TWA (Time Weighted Average). Lmin. and overload status for the active measurement. shown larger below. See Appendix B for a more detailed explanation of these metrics. SE. If no buttons are selected.
The display of these dose data is controlled by the Dose Display toolbar at the upper left of the measurement summary window.
Selecting Display of Dose Data
The measurement summary window can display data for all four dose setups simultaneously as shown below. Peak. it will display the dose selected in the Set Parameter dialog box.
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. Lmax. Leq.

The Settings section show the dose settings that were established in the General Settings of the Spark® instrument. These values are derived from editing the Time History. L30. and L90. If no parameters are modified.The Modified Results section of the summary contains the Modified Leq and Modified Peak information. and Criterion Duration. Criterion Level. then this section will not be visible. the RMS Weighting. In addition. These include the Exchange Rate. L70.
The Statistics section contains five Ln values including L10. This section of the report will only be visible if the Results of the measurements are modified. These values can be modified so that other Ln values can be computed.
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. the Peak Weighting. the Detector rate settings are shown. Threshold. L50.

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. along with their associated start and stop dates and times.Viewing Other Data Records
The remaining tool bar buttons are now active and used in the reporting functions of the Blaze® software .
Step 2
A different data record can be selected by using the mouse pointer to highlight the desired measurement.
This pull-down menu at the top of the Data Record window.
Step 3
Click the left mouse button to activate and display the selected data record. lists the downloaded data records. Step 1 Click on the arrow next to the pull-down menu to view all data records.

Location. Job Description.NOTE: The set parameters button will only change parameters for the currently displayed record. and
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.
Step 4
Press the Set Results Parameters button to view the Set Parameters window.
The Set Parameters window appears
General Information
The General Information area is located on the right side of the window. This contains fields for editing or entering information such as: User.

the Criterion Level.any note you may wish to attach to the current measurement record. and TWA can be from among the 4 Dose calculations originally programmed into the Spark® family instrument. Click each field and type in an entry. In addition.
Recalculating the Results
The dose. the
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Notice that the General Information area has been updated with the information that was entered in the General Information fields. projected dose.

and the selected Dose will be recalculated using those new values. Modifying The Dose Parameters The selected Dose parameter may be modified for a different Criterion Level and a different Criterion Time.
Step 2
Click OK to incorporate the new dose selection on the Data Record.
Step 1
To select the Dose Parameters.
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.
Results: These values change. 2. based on the selected dose criterion. the reports must be printed each time individually for each new Dose Calculation.
NOTE: Only one Dose calculation may be displayed on a Data Record at a time.Criterion Duration can be modified. To show multiple Dose calculations. go to the Dose Parameters section. 3. select the pull down list next to the current Dose selection and select from Dose 1. or 4.

The limit must be set for each record. the Summary Report time history graph.
Step 3
Click OK.
This will return you to the data record window. which will make accessible a data field for the entry of the value for the amplitude of the limit line.Step 3
Enter a new value and press OK. and the Time History Detail Report graph.
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. Step 1 Left click to put a check in the check box to the left of the text "Display Limit Line on Graph". the Modified Data Report time history graph. Setting a Reference Line in a Time History Graph Blaze® will allow you to define a limit line that will appear on the Time History Graph.
Step 2
Enter a value in the User defined Limit box (in dB).

(i. etc. Use the Left Mouse button to select the first record.e. More than two records can be selected. Interval Period.
Step 2
The Merge Records dialog box will appear.
Merging Records
NOTE: Only records with matching settings can be merged. one before lunch and one after lunch and have the results as one continuous record. Step 1 Click on the Merge Records Button. and will also appear on the previously mentioned reports. Dose Settings.
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.
Step 3
Select the records you wish to merge.A horizontal line will now appear when a Time History graph is created. Gain Settings.)
Blaze® will allow you to merge multiple data records into one data record. This would allow you to take two measurements.

See examples below.
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. use the Control key instead of the Shift Key.
Step 5
After selecting the desired records. To select a record further down the list without selecting all of the records in-between. Press the Merge button.
Left Mouse button plus the shift key to select adjacent records.
Left Mouse button plus the Control key to select two separate records.Step 4
Hold the Shift key to select the record or records adjacent to the first selected record.

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. go to the records pull down list at the top of the Data Record window. and 60 Seconds.
Step 7
To select the merged record for display. Step 1 Press the Modify Time History Interval Button. 5.
Modifying the Time History Interval
Blaze® will allow you to modify the time history interval that was originally selected on the Spark® instrument. You will now see the new merged record in the list. 15. 30.Step 6
New record created from multiple records.
The new merged record will now appear in the record list. Press the Done key. You can now combine the selected interval to create a longer Time History record. The Spark® setup allows you to choose from Sample Intervals of 1.

In this example the Current Interval. listed in seconds.
Step 3
The Current Interval will be listed in the first field.
Step 5
Press the OK button.
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.
NOTE: The Time History Interval cannot be changed if the Time History has already been modified. I want the new interval to be 10 seconds. is 1 second.
Step 4
Enter the new interval desired.
NOTE: The new sample interval must be larger than the original sample interval. I enter a value of 10 seconds in the box.Step 2
The Modify Time History Interval dialog box will appear.

clicking the Open button will display a series of dialog boxes displaying the records saved in each selected file as shown below.
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. a dialog box for the next file will automatically be displayed when the Next button is clicked or the entry is double clicked. Left click the Average File Records button to open the Select Blaze Files dialog box. The user can select only one record from each file. The Back button is grayed out when the dialog box for the first file is open. Files must be within the same directory. The Finish button will be grayed out until the last file is opened.
Averaging Time Histories between Different Files
The user can select different files and then select a record from each of the selected files to average together.Step 6
Notice that the Sample Interval Time has now been changed in the General Information section of the Data record.
Beginning with the first file selected. but it will appear subsequently for the later files in case the user wishes to change the record selected for one of the files earlier in the selection sequence. at which time it will appear and the Next button will be grayed out.
This can also be achieved from the Main Menu by left clicking Records and then left clicking Average Records from Files. once a record has been selected. The serial number of the instrument from which the file was downloaded will be displayed. After the files have been selected.

There are two methods which will ensure that these last criteria are satisfied: G. gain.blz) download file.
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. Lmax and peak values. They must also have the same beginning and ending times. if present. save it in a new file and then perform the averaging of records from different files. detector.
Time History Graph
Step 1 Click the Time History button to view a time history of the current measurement record. peak weighting. Modify existing records by cropping the non-overlapping data from each desired record. H. Set the timers for all Spark units to start and end at the same time. The new record can be saved in a new blaze (.Each selected record must have the same sample interval. and the same parameters for each dose. weighting. The averaged record will be an average of all the Leq and TWA values for the selected records for the time interval as described above with the Lmin. set appropriately).

Max. and Blaze will zoom in on the specific data.The Time History graph of the Leq.
The Time History toolbar includes a number of useful functions including:
The Zoom In button allows the user to draw a box around ® a specific part of the data.
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. the instrument will place a note in the status byte of each time history record until the problem is corrected. This will let the user know that the measurement was corrupted.
If the microphone is disconnected.
New tools are associated with the Time History graph. and Peak Data can now be viewed.

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. It will bring up the following dialog box.
The Copy To Clipboard button copies the graph to the clipboard to make it available for pasting to another document.
The Restore all data button will restore all excluded and edited data back into the Time History graph. The Edit Time History data section allows the user to add or subtract an amount from a region selected by the cursors. The Included Selected data button will include the data selected by the Left and Right Cursors.
Creates a new record from the selected data. and takes you all the way out to 1:1.
The Exclude Selected data button will exclude the data selected by the Left and Right Cursors. where the amount can be entered as a positive or negative value.The zoom out button reverses the action of the Zoom In button. It will have a dark blue trace.
This button will allow you to add a note to the Time History graph.
The Leq button will display the Leq trace on the Time History Graph. The value will then be added to the area defined by the Left and Right cursors. press OK.
After entering a value.

It will have a dark green trace. It will have a red trace. It will have a light blue trace. Step 1 Click on the “+ magnifying glass” on the Time History toolbar to select the zoom tool. to display on a time history graph The Set Ln button toggles the display of the selected Ln value on the graph with the selected interval
Zooming
The Zoom In function allows you to investigate details of the Time History by “magnifying” selected sections of the measurement.
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. and its interval.
The TWA button will display the TWA trace on the Time History Graph for the currently selected Dose Calculation. The Ln Data button displays a dialog box used to set the Ln value.
The Peak button will display the Peak trace on the Time History Graph.The Max button will display the Max trace on the Time History Graph.

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. click and hold down the left mouse button and draw a box around the desired zoom location.Step 2
At a desirable place within the Time History graph.

magnifying glass” on the Time History toolbar to select the Zoom Out tool.
Zoom Out
Zoom out returns a “zoomed” Time History to its original unexpanded scale. Step 1 Click on the “.Step 3
Release the left mouse button to execute the zoom.
Further zooming can be achieved by repeating the above procedure.
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Projected Dose. Leq. increased noise sources. SE. Lmax. You can also add or subtract a dB offset from within a selected section to understand the effects of noise reduction measures. Max. and the overall Dose.
Editing the Time History
NOTE: The Cursor placement can be fine tuned by using the Left and Right arrow keys instead of the mouse.
The Time History can be edited.Step 2
You will be automatically zoomed out to the original Time History graph. Lpeak. The following editing functions are available in Blaze : • Exclude a section(s) in the Time History recomputation
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. hearing protection. TWA. You can select areas to be removed from the time history using the cursors. etc. and Lmin recomputed. Time History Editing is a powerful tool for understanding the cause and effect of such changes.

the Modified Data time history graph and the Time History Detail Report graph. After making changes to the time history. As changes are made to the time history. The limit must be set for each record. Modifications made to the time history remain separate from the original time history data. TWA. the Summary Report time history graph. each measurement record will then contain two time histories: the original time history and the modified time history.• • •
Include a previously excluded section(s) into the Time History recomputation Restore the Time History to its original unedited state Define the Amount (in dB) to add/subtract from a selected Time History section
When excluding data from a record. Projected Dose. a new Dose. Setting a Reference Line Blaze® will allow you to define a limit line that will appear on the Time History Graph. Step 1 Click on the Set Preferences button. Leq. and Lmin will be calculated for the modified data. Max. SE. This is done by selecting the appropriate radio button under the "Include/Excluded Time" heading as shown. Lpeak.
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. The results of modifications to the time history are displayed both in the Time History graph window and the Modified Results section of the Measurement Summary window. Lmax. you may choose to include the time span for the excluded data in the Leq and TWA calculations or you may choose to compress the time by excluding the time as well as the data for the excluded range(s) in the record.

To exclude a section:
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. Excluding Sections from the Record's Time History This powerful analysis feature provides the ability to exclude a section(s) from the overall Leq and dose calculations.Step 2
Enter a value in the User defined Limit box (in dB) in the Set Preferences dialog box. and will also appear on the previously mentioned reports.
A horizontal line will now appear when a Time History graph is created. Max. TWA. and the overall Dose. then recomputing the Leq without the highlighted section’s contributions. This is achieved by selecting or highlighting a section of the time history. Leq. Lpeak. It allows you to exclude anomalous data (like a slamming door) that skews the overall Calculations. Time History can be edited. SE. Projected Dose. Lmax.
Step 3
Click on OK. and Lmin will be recomputed.

Step 1
Within the time history graphic.
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. click the left mouse button (above the line graphs) to select the left most area you wish to remove from the overall Leq computation.

Step 2
Move the mouse to the right most point you wish to remove from the Leq calculation.
The Exclude dialog box will appear. then click the right mouse button (above the line graphs).
Step 3
Press the Exclude Selected button on the toolbar.
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.

additional modifications can be made to the Time History by repeating Steps 1-4. The Leq changed from 82.1. Lpeak. With the Edit button you can increase or decrease the dB level over a section of the Time History graph.
Step 4
Click the Selected button. You can do this by closing or resizing the Time History window. Adding/Subtracting dB Values from Selected Sections Closely related to the Exclude option is the Edit Value button.
In this case. Lmax. SE. Leq. If you wish. To edit a section: Step 5 Press the Edit Time History button. Max.4%. and Lmin computation.5 to 81.
The selected section will now be removed from the overall calculations. the dose changed from 25% to 17. TWA. Projected Dose. Compare the results with the Modified Results to see the effect of removing the section from the Time History. You can view the effect this had by looking at the Modified Results area of the Measurement Record.
The following Edit dialog box will appear:
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.Exclude All removes the entire Time History from the Dose.

Step 7
Press OK to execute this operation
The overall Time History is re-displayed with the edited section altered.Step 6
Enter the dB level you wish to add or subtract from the interval or interval region in the ± field. Enter a minus to enter a negative number. SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Using Larson Davis Blaze® Software 2-71
. This appears as an offset in the Time History.

You can view the effect this had by looking at the Modified Results area of the Measurement Record. Lpeak. dose. Leq. TWA. and Lpeak calculation.
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. You can do this by closing or resizing the Time History window. This is useful if you have excluded multiple sections of the Time History and wish to recover a single section or two while leaving other exclusions intact.
Edit Include Edit include is used when you wish to restore a previously excluded section into the overall Leq. Projected Dose. Lmax. and Lmin will also be recomputed based on this modification. Max. Lmax. This is achieved by selecting the excluded section and then using the Include tool. SE. Compare the Results with the modified results to see the effect of removing the section from the Time History.The overall Dose.

Calculates new values based on the data selected between the cursors on the time history graph.
Create a New Record Creates a new record from the selected data.Edit Restore Restore removes all changes to the Time History and brings it back to its original.
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. unedited state. Step 1 Within the time history graph. Use your left and right mouse buttons and select the data of interest. This assists in evaluating how reduced levels would affect the overall dose and time weighted average. click the left mouse button to select the left most area you wish to include in the new calculation.

then click the right mouse button.Step 2
Move the mouse to the right most point you wish to include in the new calculation.
Step 3
Press the Create New Record button on the toolbar.
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.
A new record appears showing the new calculated results highlighted between the cursors.

Click the left mouse button to activate the "Annote Graph" window. move your mouse to the area of the graph where you would like to add a note.
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.Add Note
A note can be added to the time history graph to identify problem areas or noise sources. Step 1 Press the Add Note button on the toolbar. As many notes as you want can be added.
Step 2
Within the time history graph. Follow the steps below to add notes to the time history graph.

The "Annotate graph" window will appear.
To Move or Delete Note Step 1 Click on the text to be moved or changed.
Step 3
Type in the text you would like to appear on the graph.The note will appear on the graph and will only be printed on the Summary report. Click "OK" button when you are finished. You can also select the color and size of the text.
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the file cannot be saved. detector. By default. To move text. the graph will display the Leq from each of the records but the user may select other parameters (Lmax.
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. Only one data type will be graphed at a time. etc. click the Graph Multiple Records button to bring up the Select Blaze Files dialog box. To select the data to be plotted. then choose the "Delete" button and the text will disappear. The graph will begin with the minimum start time of all the records and end with the maximum end time of all the records. peak weighting and the same parameters for each dose.Step 2
To change the text. enter new text and click OK. To delete text. The text will be moved automatically to the new location on the graph. gain. The records to be plotted must have the same sample interval. The records from different files may have overlapping data.
Graph Records from Different Files
This is a display-only feature. click on the text to be deleted. click the "Move" button and then click on the graph at the new location.) to graph. weighting.

This will present the “Select Records to Graph” dialog box listing the records saved under the first of the selected files.
Highlight the records you wish to plot from this file and press Next. Clicking on Finish will initiate the initialization of the graph as indicated by the following display.Highlight the files from which records will be selected for plotting and press Open. which will open a similar dialog box listing the records saved under the next of the files which had been selected in the Select Blaze Files dialog box.
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. This sequence will continue until the dialog box listing the records from the last selected file is displayed. at which time the Next button will be grayed out and the Finish button displayed.

The default value is Leq. left clicking the down arrow to the right will reveal additional choices. Repeatedly clicking this button will toggle the display between overlaid graphs and graphs using an absolute time axis. the multiple graph will be displayed as shown below. The complete set of choices are:
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. The Displayed Dataset field is used to select which data are to be graphed. The Show Actual Time button shifts the origin of each graph such that they are shown on an absolute time axis rather than overlaid as they are in the display which first appears. Left clicking the down arrow to the right of the field will open a drop-down menu listing the possible data sets which can be displayed.The sixth button performance is described below.
The Multi-File Time History Graph has the following toolbar associated with it.
The graphic above does not show all the possible data sets.When the data has been initialized.
The first five buttons perform the same functions as described in the section above.

• • • • • • •
Leq Max Peak TWA1 TWA2 TWA3 TWA4
Highlight the desired choice with the cursor and left click to make the selection. Adding Notes Notes are added using the same procedure as for single file graphs as described in Add Note on page 2-75 The following graph shows overlaid plots of two records which were measured at different times as they would appear on the default Multi-File History Graph.
Show Graph in Actual Time
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based on gain.Left clicking the Absolute Time Graph button will produce a display of the same two time history files using the same time axis for both .
Left click the Absolute Time Graph button to return to the overlaid plot format.) Step 1 Click the Statistics Graph icon from the main toolbar.
The Statistics Graph
The Statistics graph shows how often each dB level from 60 dB to 150 dB occurred during the measurement. (or whatever the range is .
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.

each tic mark on the grid represents a dB level.The Statistics Graph for the current measurement record will appear.
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On the horizontal axis.

the percentage of time the dB level occurred during the measurement. and the cumulative distribution up to that dB level.
This displays the selected dB level. Zooming the Statistics Graph Here the Zoom in function allows you to investigate details of the Statistics Graph by "magnifying" selected sections of the measurement. Step 1 Click on the "+ magnifying glass" in the Statistics Graph toolbar to select the zoom tool. or the arrow keys.Step 2
Click on a grid line using the left mouse button.
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.

Then drag the mouse to the end zoom selection point drawing a box around the data to be examined.
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. click and hold down the left mouse button to anchor the start zoom selection point.Step 2
At a desirable place within the Statistics Graph graph.

Step 3
Release the left mouse button to execute the zoom.
Further zooming can be achieved by repeating the above procedure. Zooming Out the Statistics Graph Zoom Out returns a "zoomed" Statistics Graph to its original unexpanded scale. The Underflow level displays the percentage of time all dB levels were under 60 dB.
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. As the graph is scrolled. The dB levels that are displayed directly under the statistics graph show which portion of the graph is currently displayed. Step 1 Click on the "magnifying glass" in the Statistics Graph toolbar to select the Zoom Out tool. the dB labels change to identify the low and high dB levels displayed in the graph. The Over-flow level displays the percentage of time all dB levels were over 150 dB.

Step 2
You will be automatically zoomed out to the original Statistics Graph graph.
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Follow the steps as outlined on in the section Add Note on page 2-75.
Adding a Note A note can be added to the statistics graph by clicking on the Add Note button on the toolbar.

When displaying the Time History graph on the screen. :
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Time History Display Pressing the L? button displays the dialog box (shown below) which is used to set the Ln value to display and the Ln interval.Ln Data
The Spark creates an Ln table every five minutes. there are two new buttons at the right end of the Time History toolbar as shown below. 15. if the user desires to plot values every 15 minutes rather than 5 minutes.
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. For example. The choices for the Ln Interval are 5. 10.
The L% button toggles the display of the selected Ln value on the graph with the selected interval (5 minutes by default). An example of a Time History graph with the L90 trace is shown below. 30 and 60 minute intervals. Blaze will now store these tables so that a selected Ln value can be displayed on the Time History graph both on the screen display and in the Summary report. he will select 15 in the "Ln Interval" drop down list.

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. The entered and selected values will be used to display the Ln line on the Time history graph in the Summary report. Checking the Show Ln Data box will enable the Ln Percent edit box and the Ln Interval drop down list.Summary Report Display To display the Ln values on the Summary report. This will show the Ln Data specific controls. first select the Summary Report icon in the Print dialog box.

check the "Show Ln Data" box as shown below and select the desired Ln time interval from the "Ln Interval" drop list. 705+ or 703+ including serial
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. Blaze uses the L percentile values set in the "Set Parameters" dialog box which is opened by selecting the "Set Parameters" menu item under the "Records" menu. The export file will list the date. To export the Ln data. time and five L values at each selected interval. 706. A detailed graph or an averaged graph for the summary report may be printed by selecting the appropriate radio button in the "Advanced Print Options" window. Modified Data Report (Not Available with the 703/ 705) This report is also a one-page report and prints information about the 706RC. and a time history graph that is condensed to fit the page. measurement results. The reports include: Summary Report The Summary Report is a one-page report that prints measurement settings.Ln Data Export Ln data may be exported.
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Printing Reports
Blaze has a number of excellent canned reports that you may wish to use for your own record keeping.

The detail portion of the report provides a tabular display of each interval with its beginning time. The lower part of the report shows the Edited Time History Graph with Leq. This report can be very long. and TWA for each interval. and Lmin. Step 1 First. Max. Lpeak.0 dB (or whatever the range is) and the percentage of time that each dB level occurred during the measurement. and measurement type. The Statistics Report resolution can be increased (by selecting Fractional Display) from the Print window before printing the report. and measurement type. It also shows the modified and original Dose. Peak. Statistics Report (Not Available with the 703/705) The statistics window is a tabular report and bar graph that prints a row for each dB value from 60. and TWA values with a bar graph on the right side. Max. Time History Detail Report (Not Available with the 703/705) This report prints information about the Spark® instrument such as serial number. Leq. SE. Lmax. when the measurement was performed. Max. The Statistics Report usually spans several pages.0 dB to 150. when the measurement was performed. Projected Dose.number. Leq.
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. TWA. Peak. verify that a measurement record you wish to print is open. depending on the time history interval that was used.

Step 2
To Print the data. and select which data you would like to show on the report. select Print Reports from the File menu.
Here you can select the report you wish to Print. or press the Print Reports Button on the toolbar. Step 3 Select the report style that you wish to Print by clicking on it. edit the date which appears on the report. You can see report samples in Appendix D of this manual. Add a Title or change the Date if desired
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. add a title to the printout.
The following Print window appears
NOTE: The TWA printed is the TWA for the currently selected Dose.

and the report is selected.)
Step 4
After all adjustments have been made. press the Print button. This will bring up a standard Windows file tree where a new logo can be selected. simply check the appropriate box in the "Advanced Print Options" window. To select a logo. press the browse button next to the logo file name field. The report will be printed to the default printer.Step 3
This dialog box will allow you to include a graph (either an averaged graph. or a detailed graph showing all exceedances) for the summary report. You also have the option to include a "Fractional dB Display (Statistics Report only)" and the option to include a logo.(Logo is in a Windows Metafile format. To choose any of these adjustments. To select a different printer. change the default printer using the Control Panel found in Microsoft Windows®. SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Using Larson Davis Blaze® Software 2-93
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or Statistics window. First ensure that the window or screen you wish to Print is active.
Exporting Record Data
You may wish to export a measurement record to a text file. To export data from an open measurement record:
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. You can also choose Print Preview to observe what will be sent to the printer. This action will print items in the active window. You can print from within the Measurement Record window. Time History window.Printing Windows Reports can also be printed from other areas within Blaze .
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Then select Print from the File Menu or press the print button in the tool bar. which can be manipulated in another program such as a spread-sheet or for use in a report.

Step 1

First, open the measurement record you want to export:

Step 2

Click on the File menu.

Step 3

Select Export Data or select the export data button from the toolbar…

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The following dialog box will appear.

Step 4

Choose the data from the measurement record that you wish to export by clicking the appropriate check box. Your choices are:

• • • Comma-delimited is for spreadsheet programs; others are useful for exporting into word processors.

Results Summary Time History Data Statistical Data You can create an easily parsed text file by clicking the "Export as a Comma-Delimited File" check box.

Step 5

Placing a check in the "Export all downloaded files" check box will export all downloaded files to separate .csv or .txt files at the same time. Using the file name assigned below in Step 6, the program will append _001, _002, etc. sequentially to each of the exported files. To choose the name of the text file you wish to create, and the location where you require to be it stored:

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Step 6

Click on the Output Filename selection box.

Step 7

Select a location and filename as you would with any other Windows application, then click Save.

The text file has been created and resides in the Windows directory you selected. Blaze can automatically send the export file to an application (such as a spreadsheet or word processor) by enabling the "Automatically Launch Viewer Application" feature. When this feature is selected the application you have chosen will automatically run and display the exported text file.
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Step 8

Check the "Automatically Launch Viewer Application" check box.

Windows will automatically select a viewer application based on the type of output (comma-delimited file or text). If you prefer a different viewer, it can be re-configured.

Step 9

You can then browse to the application you want to "launch" by clicking the selection box to the right.

(Check the Search Sub-folders box if you wish to search the sub-folders as well. and press the OK button.Step 3
Use the Browse button to select the file folder you wish to query.)
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Step 4
Select the folder that contains your Blaze® Data Records.

the search will identify records that are at or above the specified level.
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. Searches can be performed on multiple values. You can also search for records on User.
The search above was performed specifically on records taken at the Location of Geneva Steel. or on one value. press the Search button. etc.
NOTE: If the search is performed on a level such as an Leq.Step 5
Enter the parameter value you wish to search on. Serial number. This function can be very useful in pinpointing problem areas or simply to gather specific records on a location. Job Description. Step 6 After entering the search parameters values.

and the Data Record window will be brought up.
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. Double Click on the desired record.Step 7
Blaze® will bring up a status window.
Step 8
To view a record that was located by the search. and then report the findings of the search in the bottom of the dialog box.

If NiCd or NiMH batteries are being used and this problem occurs. replace the batteries with fresh new batteries. but there is not enough to allow the download process.
Troubleshooting Download Problems
A situation can occur in which the instrument connects to ® the Blaze software. and connect to Blaze . Note: All stored data is in nonvolatile memory and will be safe while the batteries are changed. Temporary Workaround A temporary workaround is as follows: Step 1 SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Connect the Spark unit to the Blaze software 2-103
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. If this occurs. Also. it is often the case that the energy capacity in NiCd and NiMH batteries will degrade over time. There might also be a message "restore the connection" with a countdown. indicated by the message "The file could not be downloaded. but the download process fails. or temporarily install alkaline batteries for the download instead. Often times the batteries will have just enough energy to ® allow the unit to run fine. try newly purchased NiCd or NiMH batteries.Step 9
You may also print the results of the search by pressing the print button. Check the battery and the connection and try again".

Overview
This manual is best used with the instrument at your side. independent of the Blaze® software. You may find that it will also be useful to refer to this guide when trying something new with the 706/706RC. and insights to its operation. The resultant 706/706RC display will then be presented to verify that you have performed the correct action. It is also one of the smallest and lightest. You will likely find the user interface of the Spark® 706/ 706RC to be intuitive. smartest noise dosimeter available. This section has been developed to guide you through the operation of the 706/706RC. You will navigate through the 706/706RC’s simple interface and make measurements immediately.
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.CHAPTER
3
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
Spark 706/706RC – Quick Reference
Congratulations! You now have your hands on the most powerful. The appropriate keypad button will be shown on the page. You will be guided through a step-by-step tour of the Spark® 706/706RC. and trust you will receive many years of good service from it. This section is intended to give you a tour of the 706/706RC’s capabilities. We at Larson Davis thank you for your purchase of the Spark® 706/706RC.

Typically. and view data. viewing battery capacity. viewing the firmware version. The measurement screen will clear and a new measurement can be acquired.User Interface
Navigation within the 706/706RC display is achieved using the keypad. It initiates or ends a
measurement You will not lose any data when doing a RESET. the up and down arrows move the user up and down through displays and menus.
R – the RESET key performs a reset of the current
measurement. and adjusting the contrast of the display. change settings. The keypad allows the user to maneuver through the 706/706RC’s simple menu structure.
Keypad Functions
The keypad functions are as follows:
v – this key is used to power the 706/706RC on or off.r. viewing the available memory. This includes maneuvering through menus and displays.d. The arrow keys: l.
c – The check key is used to select an option or choice
from a 706/706RC menu.
T – the TOOLS key is used to access various system
functions of the 706/706RC such as calibration. provide a variety of different navigation operations within the 706/706RC operating system. viewing the timers.u. s – this is the RUN/STOP key. The left and right arrows move the user from one related screen to another. changing the instrument setup. setting the 706/706RC locking feature. The up and down arrow are also used to navigate through menu choices. RESET is also used to exit from menus/screens.
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Two bars indicate that the voltage is greater than 2. the battery voltage is greater than 2. or that data is being transferred. If the voltage is greater than 2. the voltage is greater than 2. only the outlined battery will appear. the outlined battery will begin to flash. the mail icon will go away. the master unit’s mail icon will be flashing and the remote’s mail icon will be on solid.
Mail Icon
Communication
The signal icon indicates IR communication. At 1.4.0 volts is full power). On a remote unit. the mail icon will come on and stay on solid anytime the remote is in communication with a 706RC. When the antennae is present. On the 706RC the mail icon will come on and flash anytime the 706RC is connected to a remote unit.0. With one bar illuminated.0. When the connection is lost. communication is occurring between the connected 706/706RC and the computer via the IR interface.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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.8 (3.2 volts.8 volts.706/706RC Icon Descriptions
The 706/706RC’s graphical display also has its own icons that provide status information. This indicates that the 706RC screen is showing the data being collected from the remote. Notice that there are 3 bars within the battery graphic. the 706/706RC will shut itself off. If you are connecting 2 706RC’s together.
Battery
The Battery icon provides information with respect to the remaining battery voltage of the 706/706RC. The mail icon is used to indicate a connection between a 706RC and a remote unit. When the voltage drops below 2. When all 3 sectors are present.

After 99 hours. After the microphone is connected. During an overload event. the icon will not be present. It indicates the total running time of the current measurement. During the first hour of run time. although the actual run time (in hh:mm:ss) will always be maintained internally. or if the microphone was bumped. the alarm icon will flash. the 706/706RC will stabilize to its ready state. Immediately following. the clock display will adjust to show hours and minutes (hh:mm). The screen that will be displayed is the same screen that was active during the previous power down unless there are timers set. turn the 706/706RC on by pressing the On/Off key: v The instrument will move through a short start up cycle. this bar graph will be animated. the clock will display in minutes and seconds (mm:ss).
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Powering up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. When the instrument is in the stopped mode. where it briefly flashes the 706/706RC ID screen. the clock will start over again. This can happen when extremely loud noise levels occur. The icon will remain visible until a reset R of the 706/ 706RC has been performed. the bell will remain on until the Spark® instrument is reset. The bell Icon will also come on and flash during a microphone fault.
Powering up the 706/706RC
If you have not already done so. This time can be set to zero by pressing the reset R button on the 706/706RC. rolling from left to right. After completion of the first hour.Run Indicator
When the instrument is running.
Overload
The alarm icon indicates that measurement overloads have occurred.
Run-Time Clock
The clock icon is always present in the top right corner of the 706/706RC display.

Notice that the current sound pressure level and Leq are currently being displayed. Aweighted. slow detector LCSmx . the 8 hour projected SE.maximum sound pressure
Press d to view the next display screen. Leq (equivalent sound pressure level or “average”).sound pressure level.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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. Lmin (minimum sound pressure level).equivalent sound level.
Level
detector
Step 2
Type of level weighting
Below is an explanation of the metric abbreviations used in the 706: LAS . This will allow the user to immediately know if there are timers set. The message will not be displayed if no timers have been set.. slow detector Step 3 LASeq .
If you are in a menu. Aweighted.
Press d to view the current SE (sound exposure). press R one or more times to exit to a measurement display. This shows the current Lmax (maximum sound pressure). and the 40 hour projected SE in units of Pa2H. and Lpeak (the largest peak sound pressure level).If there are timers set. Then press u or d until you see the following screen:
Navigating through the 706/706RC Displays
Step 1 Press s to start a measurement. then the following screen will be displayed each time the unit is powered up.

The instrument counts the number of times the SPL 1 Exceedance level was exceeded. C-weighted
Step 4
Press d to view the noise dose data for Dose 1.
Step 6
Press d to view the current dose data for Dose 3.minimum sound pressure level. The 706/706RC will log four simultaneous doses. and criterion times.e. These dose computations can have independent dose variables such as exchange rates. slow detector LCSmn . the projected 8 hour dose. and the TWA (Time Weighted Average).
Step 5
Press d to view the current dose data for Dose 2. threshold levels. and also records the amount of time for which the level was exceeded. i.
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Navigating through the 706/706RC Displays
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. before a new exceedance will be recorded. slow detector LCpk .
Step 8
Press d to view the SPL 1 Exceedance data. This display shows the current dose value.
Step 7
Press d to view the current dose data for Dose 4. the level must fall 2 dB below the exceedance level.LCSeq . C-weighted. Cweighted. criterion levels.peak level.The Hysteresis is 2 dB.equivalent sound level.

and also records the amount of time for which the level was
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Navigating through the 706/706RC Displays
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. independent dose settings for all four of the 706/706RC’s simultaneous dose measurements can be established.
Step 16 Press d three times to move to the SPL 1 Exceedance display. As previously stated. and the total time the RMS sound levels were above the threshold (120 dB).• • • • • •
Peak Weighting – Unweighted Detector Rate – Slow Exchange Rate – 5 dB Threshold Level – 80 dB Criterion Level – 90 dB Criterion Time – 8 hours
Step 15 Press d to inspect the Dose 2 settings. This feature allows you to measure and view a second sound pressure level (RMS) exceedance.
Step 17 Press r to examine the SPL 2 Exceedance values. The instrument counts the number of times the Peak Exceedance level was exceeded. It counts the number of times the SPL 2 Exceedance level was surpassed.
Step 18 Press r again to examine the Peak Exceedance values.

before a new exceedance will be recorded
Tools
The Tools area is where you go to change settings in the 706/ 706RC.
A number of sub menus are available within the Tools menu including Calibration. The Hysterisis is 2 dB.
…Memory. i.e. Step 4 Press u a few times in the Tools menu to highlight Calibrate. About.exceeded. the level must fall 2 dB below the exceedance level. Power… Step 3 Press d to move to the last set of Tools sub menus. Let’s tour the Tools menu. Lock. We will learn more about each of these sub menus in upcoming sections.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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…Timers and Set Time. Step 1 Press T on the 706/706RC keypad. Setup… (Emulate: Available only on the 706RC) Step 2 Press d to move to the next set of Tools sub menus.

To start communication with a remote unit.
The Emulate menu contains two items. the 706. • • • never master always The display and keypad are never inverted. and 703+. The Invert menu has 3 possible settings. 705+.
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Remote Control of Remote unit
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
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Step 2 Step 3
Verify that the Emulate menu item is highlighted at the top of the tools menu. The connect selection is what starts the 706RC looking for a remote unit. The units that can be controlled are the 706RC. and press the c key. Step 1 Go to the T menu. Press the c key to bring up the Emulate menu items.Remote Control of Remote unit
(706RC ONLY) The 706RC can be used to control a remote unit. connect and invert. The inversion occurs only when the 706RC is connected to a remote unit. The display and keypad are always inverted.
Step 4
Verify that the connect selection is highlighted. The inversion mode allows the user to operate the 706RC while it is upside down.

0 depending on the setting of the calibrator’s adjustable level switch. this should be set to 114.The 706RC will now start searching for a remote unit. The 706RC will connect to the first available remote unit to come in range. the value could be set to either 94.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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.0. All setup functions are then available from the controls of the 706RC that would normally be available for manual control. Step 2 Press c to enter the Calibrate tools menu.0 or 114.
If you are using a Larson Davis Model CAL250. If you are using a Larson Davis CAL150 or CAL200. press c and proceed to Step 8. If the Cal Level is already set to the correct value (the output signal in dB of your calibrator). enter the Tools menu and highlight Calibrate. go to Step 2. When you press a key on the 706RC. you are really pressing the key on the remote unit. the screen on the 706/ 706RC RC becomes the screen for the remote. Please see Chapter 4 for a complete explanation of the 706RC functionality.
Once the 706RC finds a remote unit.
If you need to change the Cal Level to reflect a different calibrator output level.
Calibration of the 706/706RC
Step 1 To calibrate the 706/706RC.

Then press c to enable editing the Cal Level.
Step 6
When you have the correct calibrator output level entered.
Step 5
Then use u or d to increment/decrement to the desired number.NOTE: The instrument will verify that the calibration tone is within the expected range.
Step 4
Use l or r to highlight the number(s) you wish to change. the calibration will not be changed.
Step 3
Press d to highlight the Cal Level.
Step 7
Press u to highlight Perform Cal. if it is not. press c to accept.
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Calibration of the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
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When the calibration is finished. You will be returned to the Calibrate menu. Switch the calibrator on. notice the circle building on the left side of the display.Step 8
Insert the 706/706RC microphone into the calibrator opening.
Step 9
Press c to initiate the calibration During the calibration. the completed circle changes to a check √.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
3-13
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Step 10 Press c to accept the calibration.
Step 11 Press c again to keep this calibration.

Step 2
Press c to bring up the Lock combination screen. The Lock is activated.
Activating the Lock
Step 1 From the Tools menu. press d to highlight Lock. This renders the 706/706RC virtually tamper proof during operation. The following message/warning will appear.Step 12 Press R to return to the Tools menu. the 706/706RC’s display and keypad are disabled.
Using the Lock Feature
The 706/706RC has a very useful keypad Lock feature. and deactivated by way of a 4-digit user defined Lock code. When the Lock is activated.
Step 3
Type in any four-digit combination using l and r to move between number fields and u and d to increment and decrement the numbers.
Step 4
Press c to enter the combination code.
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Using the Lock Feature
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
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Deactivating the Lock
Step 1 To deactivate the lock. enter the 4-digit Lock combination you defined earlier.
Note: If the 4-digit lock combination has been forgotten.
Step 6
Press c to activate the Lock.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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. press any key on the 706/ 706RC keypad to bring up the Lock combination entry screen.
Step 3
Press c to enter the combination code and deactivate the Lock. You will be returned to the display screen prior to entering the Tools menu.
Step 2
Using l and r to move between number fields and u and d to increment and decrement the numbers.Step 5
Press r to highlight YES. the unit can be unlocked by connecting to the unit ® using the Blaze software.

minutes.
Step 2
Selecting "Set Time"
Press the DOWN arrow key several times until "Set Time" is highlighted.
Press the CHECK key (?) and the following display will appear. in the figure above the hours (09) are highlighted. For example. 09:50:38) is the time that is currently set in the dosimeter. Step 3 Setting the Hours. "Emulate" will be the first item displayed on the menu). The following display should appear (with a 706RC.
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to change each setting.Setting up the 706/706RC
Setting the 706 Date and Time
Step 1 Opening the TOOLS Menu
Press the TOOLS key to open the Spark dosimeter's menu. and seconds settings. The seconds will be incrementing as the display is viewed.e. and Seconds
The display shows the value that can be changed. Use the RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys to move back and forth between the hours.
The first time displayed (i. Minutes.

Step 5 Setting the Month.
Press the DOWN arrow key once to highlight the "Set Date" selection as shown below.) Step 4 Selecting "Set Date"
After setting the time and pressing the CHECK key (?). 9/22/2003) is the date that is currently set in the dosimeter. and Year
The display shows the value that can be changed. press the RESET key. The date is displayed as month / day / year. For example. to exit the menu.
The first date displayed (i. day. (If you decide to not change the current time. Use the RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys to move back and forth between the month. in the figure above the month (9) is highlighted. the instrument will again display the TOOLS menu as shown below. instead of CHECK.
Press the CHECK key (?) and the following display will appear. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to change each setting. and year settings.e. Day.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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. the figure below shows that the time has been changed to 14:27:30
Press the CHECK key (?) to store the new time in the dosimeter.For example.

) Step 6 Viewing the New Time and Date
After setting the date and pressing the CHECK key (?). Step 1 Press T on the 706/706RC keypad to enter the Tools menu.For example. the figure below shows that the date has been changed to 12/08/2011.
Use the UP arrow key to highlight the Timers selection.
Press the CHECK key (?) to store the new date in the dosimeter. instead of CHECK.
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. Let’s tour the Tools Menu.
Step 2
Press d to highlight Setup. the instrument will again display the TOOLS menu as shown below. (If you decide to not change the current date. to exit the menu. press the RESET key.
Tour Tools Menu
The tools area is where you go to changes settings in the 706/706RC. and CHECK key (?) to display the newly set time and date.

Changing the Frequency Weighting
The choices are either A or C weighting.
Step 3
Press u to increment through the four Gain choices (use d to return to the previous selections). first highlight Frq Wght by pressing d in the Setup menu.Step 2
Press c to enter the Gain selection menu.
Step 2
Press c to enter the Frequency Weighting edit field.
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. Step 1 To change the RMS frequency weighting.
Step 4
Press c to enter the new Gain value or R to exit without making the change.
The new Gain selection is now active. although A is the most common setting.

Step 3
Press u or d to move to the desired weighting value. The choices are either C or U (Unweighted). Peak weighting is independent of the RMS weighting.Step 3
Press u or d to move to your desired weighting value.
to
Changing the Peak Weighting
This function is used to change the weighting of the 706/ 706RC’s Peak Detector. Step 1 To change the Peak weighting.
Step 4
Press c to accept the new choice or press R exit without making the change. first highlight Pk Wght by pressing d in the Setup menu.
Step 2
Press c to enter the Peak Weighting edit field.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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.

Choices are either S (Slow) or F (Fast). This is normally set to Slow for dosimetry applications. however you need to verify this with your particular countries regulations.
Step 3
Press u or d to move to your desired Detector rate.
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. first highlight Detector by pressing d in the Setup menu.Step 4
Press c to accept the new choice or R to exit without making the change.
Step 4
Press c to accept the new choice or R to exit without making the change.
Step 2
Press c to enter the Detector edit field.
Changing the Detector
This function is used to change the rate of the 706/706RC’s rms (root-mean-square) detector which is used to collect data. Step 1 To change the Detector rate.

Shorter sample ® periods can be combined later in the Blaze software after download.
Step 4
Press c to accept the new choice or R to exit without making the change. Time Histories are very helpful if you wish to see how the sound varies during the measurement period. Step 1 To change the Time History Period. A longer Sample Interval (1-minute) is normally sufficient for work noise exposure surveys. The choices here are 1. A short Sample Interval (1-second) will provide excellent resolution. 5. 15. or 60 seconds).
Step 3
Press u or d to cycle to your desired Time History Period. These are denoted as Dose 1. Dose 2. first highlight Tm Hst Per by pressing d in the Setup menu.Changing the Time History Period
The Time History Period or Sample Interval sets how often a sample is stored within the 706/706RC.
Changing the Dose Measurement Settings
The 706/706RC has the facility to measure 4 simultaneous dose measurements.
Step 2
Press c to enter the Time History Period edit field. SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC 3-23
. but requires more 706/ 706RC memory. 30.

and thus be set with different Threshold Levels. Each of these Dose measurements can have independent settings.Dose 3.
Step 2
Press c to enter the Dose 1 Settings menu. and Dose 4. Step 1 To change the Dose 1 settings.
Changing the Exchange Rate
Step 6
Press d to highlight the Dose 1 Exchange Rate.
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.
Step 4
Press l and r to move between digits and u or d to increment or decrement that digit. highlight Dose 1 by pressing d in the Setup menu.
Step 5
Press c to accept the new choice or R to exit without making the change. Exchange Rates. and Criterion Times. Criterion Levels.
Changing the Threshold Level
Step 3
Press c to enter the Dose 1 Threshold Level edit field.

Step 8
Press u or d to cycle to your desired Exchange Rate (3.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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. 4.
Step 9
Press c to accept this Exchange Rate choice or press R to exit without making the change.
Step 11 Press c to enter the Dose 1 Criterion Time edit field. or 6).
Step 13 Press c to accept the new Dose 1 Criterion Time or press R to exit without making the change. 5.Step 7
Press c to enter the Dose 1 Exchange rate edit field.
Changing the Criterion Time
Step 10 Press d to highlight the Dose 1 Criterion Time.
Step 12 Press l and r to move between digits and u or d to increment or decrement that digit.

Dose 3. Peak Weighting – Unweighted. Threshold Level – 80 dB. Exchange Rate – 5 dB. Memory Used (in %) and the Memory Free (in %)
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
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Changing the Dose 2. For OSHA. and Dose 4 measurement setup is achieved in the same manner as shown with Dose 1. Criterion Time – 8 hours. Please ensure that your 706/706RC contains the settings that are pertinent to your particular country’s regulatory requirement.
Step 15 Press l and r to move between number fields and u or d to increment/decrement the numbers to your Dose 1 Criterion Level of choice.
Step 16 Press c to accept this new Dose 1 Criterion Level or press R to exit without making the change. The values that were entered in this tutorial do not necessarily reflect desirable or accurate dose settings. The Memory Time (how much run time you have with the current 706/706RC settings) can be viewed. these values are: RMS Weighting – A. Step 17 Press R to return to the Setup Menu Step 18 Press R again to exit to the Tools Menu
Memory Settings
The 706 and 706RC come standard with 4 Mbyte of nonvolatile memory.Changing the Criterion Level
Step 14 Press c to enter the Dose 1 Criterion Level edit field. Criterion Level – 90 dB. Detector Rate – Slow.

Step 1 In the Tools menu. Each Run/Stop is considered a separate record.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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.can also be viewed. A record consists of a Run and a Stop.
Memory Free
Mem Free (Memory Free) lists the amount of available memory remaining in the 706/706RC.
Memory Used
Mem Used (Memory Used) lists the amount of consumed memory (in percent).
Step 2
Press c to enter the Memory menu. Use the d and u arrow keys to navigate through the menu.
Number of Records Stored
This screen shows you how many files are currently stored in the Spark® instrument. You can also clear the Memory by using Clear All. The main variable controlling this value is the Time History Period setting. press d to highlight Memory. using the current measurement settings. The 706RC can only hold 50 Records as well.
Memory Time
Mem Time (Memory Time) lists the total time (in hh:mm) the 706/706RC can run before the memory is full.

Multiple instrument uploads can be taken before the 706RC’s memory fills.
Upload (706RC only)
Upload is the function that is used to upload data from a remote unit into the 706RC.
Step 3
Press c to clear the memory. To clear the 706/706RC memory: Step 1 Press c to initiate the reset.
Step 2
Press r to highlight YES. The 706/ 706RC must be stopped to perform this function.Installed Bytes of Memory
Indicates the number of bytes of memory that were originally installed in the Spark® instrument.
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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. WARNING! Clear All is an unrecoverable function. which can then be uploaded to the Blaze® software.
Clear All
Clear All memory is used to reset the memory in the 706/ 706RC. The 706RC will not allow you to upload a remote unit unless there is sufficient memory available in the 706RC to take the entire remote memory. All measurement data residing in the 706/706RC memory will be lost when this function is performed. All of the 706/ 706RC’s data will be lost when this feature is used.

The firmware version of the 706/706RC is displayed.
The706’s serial number appears.
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Manual Operation of the Spark® 706/706RC
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. Step 4 Press R to exit to the About Screen.Notice that the Memory Free value has changed to 100% and the Memory Used value has changed to 0%. Step 4 Press R twice to exit to the Tools menu.
About
About screen contains the firmware version and serial number of your 706/706RC. Step 1 Press d to highlight About.
Step 2
Press c enter the About Screen. Step 3 Press d to see the 706/706RC serial number.

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Setting up the 706/706RC
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. This run time is dependent on a proper battery type selection. This indicates the remaining time run time on the current batteries.
Step 5
Press d until Volts is highlighted. Press the c key to select the type of battery you wish to use.) Step 4 Press d until Auto-Off is highlighted.
Step 2
Press c to enter the Power menu.
The first displayed value is the Battery Time.
WARNING!
In explosive environments. Step 3 Press the d to see the battery type being used. (See page A-8 for approved batteries.The Power Menu
Step 1 Press d to highlight Power. only approved alkaline batteries can be used in this instrument.

The Volts value displayed, reflects the remaining voltage in the batteries. New alkaline batteries will yield 1.5V each for a total displayed battery voltage value of about 3V. Fully charged NiCD’s or NiMH’s should indicate roughly 2.4V. If you are using rechargeable batteries (NiCD or NiMH), it may take a few moments for the battery voltage value to stabilize. Auto-Off The Auto-Off feature allows you to set a time whereby the 706/706RC automatically powers off. If a 706/706RC key has not been pressed during this Auto-Off period, the 706/ 706RC automatically shuts off to conserve power. The maximum time that can be set is 60 minutes. The minimum is 1 minute. Selecting the "Never" option disables this feature, leaving the 706/706RC power on indefinitely, or until the unit is powered off using v. If the 706/706RC Timer has been set, the Auto-Off feature will be disabled until one minute after completion of the last timer stop time. Auto-Off is also disabled during a manual start (run) until the unit is stopped or when the Spark® instrument is in range of any active IR device. Step 6 Press c to edit the Auto-Off time.

Step 7

Press d to cycle through the Auto-Off times.

Step 8

When you have highlighted your Auto-Off time, press c to accept.

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Step 9

Press R to exit to the Power menu.

Timers
The Timers area is used to view the current time and date of the instrument’s built in clock, and to view the automatic run/stop timers, if they have been established. The time, date and the timers can be changed using the Blaze® software. Time and date can also be changed manually with the instrument. Automatic timers, however, can only be changed ® using Blaze . Step 1 Press d to highlight Timer.

Step 2

Press c to enter the Timers screen.

Time Now show the Time and Date of the 706/ 706RC’s clock Step 3 Press d to see if Timers have been set.

If a Timer is set, you can view the Start/Stop Times and Dates from this display. TO1 displayed in the upper right corner of the screen is the first action to be taken. This will always be a Timer

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start. In this case, the timer is set to start on September 13, 1999, at 2:30 PM. Press the d arrow to see the stop time.

Step 4

Press R to exit to the Timers menu.

If the Repeat Twice Daily selection had been made, there would be two more timer indicators. TO3 and TO4. If the 706/706RC is manually started (run) prior to the timer start time, the unit will still stop at the programmed timer stop time/date.

Display
Display allows you to adjust the contrast of the 706/706RC display, adjust the brightness of the display backlight, and establish a backlight shut off time to conserve battery power. Step 1 Press d to highlight Display.

Step 2

Press c to enter the Display menu.

Contrast adjusts the contrast of the 706/706RC screen. The larger the percentage, the darker the screen will appear. To adjust the contrast, highlight the contrast menu item, press the c key, and use the u and d arrows to adjust to the desired level. When finished, press the c key to return to the display menu.

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Step 3

Press d to highlight BL Bright (Backlight Brightness).

This adjusts the brightness of the backlit display of the 706/706RC. A value of 0% turns the backlight off. This maximizes the battery life of the 706/ 706RC. Step 4 Press d to highlight BL Save (Backlight Save).

The Backlight Save feature allows you to set a time whereby the 706/706RC screen backlight automatically powers off. If a 706/706RC key has not been pressed during this Auto-Off period, the backlight is automatically turned off to conserve power. Step 5 Press R to exit to the Display menu.

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and the Upload section has been added to the Memory menu. 705+. Within the Emulate menu. except that an Emulate selection has been added to the top of the tools menu. The Upload selection allows for uploading data from other Spark® Family instruments into the 706RC. These settings are explained later in this chapter.
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706RC Operation
4-1
. This remote function will allow the user to have complete control. the user will select either Connect or Invert.CHAPTER
4
Introduction Menu Structure
706RC Operation
The 706RC is a 706 with the added capability to communicate with other Spark® Family instruments (703+. 706).
The menu structure for the 706RC is identical to the menu structure of the standard 706. including observation of the data being gathered on the 706RC screen.

The remote remains fully functional during emulation. Place a single remote unit in front of the 706RC. The 706RC can only process digital information from ONE remote dosimeter at a time. select Connect from the Emulate menu. the 706RC operator presses the v(power) key. Keys pressed on the 706RC will be immediately sent to the remote as if you had pushed the button on the remote unit. The "mail" icon will flash on the 706RC as an indication that the display is showing the remote's data.
After the connection is made. The "mail" icon of the remote (706 and 706RC only) will come on solid to indicate that it is being controlled by the 706RC. the 706RC's screen will be replaced by the remote's screen. If the connection is interrupted. The 706RC master will indicate that it is searching for "(ANY 70x)". Thus. the 706RC will indicate that it is searching for a remote with the given serial number. yet the infrared light beams will disperse in a conical manner and may reflect off highly polished surfaces including tabletops and notebook paper. The serial number of the first remote that comes in range is recorded by the 706RC. To exit the emulation mode and terminate the connection to the remote. The key response and screen update performance of the remote will typically be as quick as a regular 706. it is important to allow only ONE remote dosimeter to communicate with the 706RC at one time. press the v(power) key on the 706RC.
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Controlling a Remote Device
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. To connect with the remote. To terminate the search.Controlling a Remote Device
Note: The remote dosimeter (703+or 705+) utilizes a digital infrared data transmission and control mechanism. The infrared transceivers operate on a "line of sight" principle. Physically separate the remote devices such that they do not interfere with one another. All functions available in the remote device will be accessible from the 706RC. It is not possible to turn the remote off by using the 706RC.

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706RC Operation
4-3
. In order to point the 706RC's IR window at the remote's IR window. An example of an inverted screen is shown below.
Figure 4-1 Inverted and Standard Display Modes The inversion mode allows the user to operate the 706RC while it is upside down.Inversion Mode
The 706RC can be used to control a remote instrument while a user is still wearing it. To facilitate this type of use. Enabling this option causes both the 706RC's display and the arrow keys on the keypad to be inverted. • never The display and keypad are never inverted. the 706RC has an optional "inversion mode". the 706RC can be held upside down. The Invert menu has 3 possible settings.

press the c key to enter the selection.
•
always
The display and keypad are always inverted.
The screen and keypad will invert when the connect menu item is selected and the c key pressed.
4-4
Inversion Mode
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. and press the check key. verify that Emulate is highlighted.
Step 4
After the desired mode is showing.•
master The inversion occurs only when the 706RC is connected to a remote. and return to the Emulate menu.
Step 3
The d and u arrow keys can now be used to select the inversion mode for the 706RC. and press the check key.
To change the invert status of the instrument: Step 1 From the T tools menu.
Step 2
Use the d arrow key to highlight Invert.

Step 4
Use the u and d arrow keys to scroll to the Upload menu item. To initiate the Upload: Step 1 Press the T (tools) key on the 706RC while it is connected to a remote unit.Record Transfer
The 706RC is able to upload records from remote units. and press the c key. The 706RC will refuse to start the transfer if it does not have enough free memory to store the entire used memory of the remote. A 1 Megabyte transfer will take approximately 6 minutes.
Step 2
Use the u and d arrow keys to scroll to the Memory menu item.
Step 3
Press the c check key.
The data transfer rate will be 1/3 to 1/2 the speed of an equivalent transfer to a PC (the available amount of free RAM on the 706RC limits the size of the data packet). Both the 706RC and the remote will need to be stopped prior to initiating the transfer.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
706RC Operation
4-5
.

The records on the 706RC can be ® transferred into Blaze as usual (each record will contain the serial number of the unit that created the record).e. 12%) The total number of records to transfer (i. unless the user elects to cancel the operation
If the beam is restored. the file transfer will resume. During transfer.
4-6
Record Transfer
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.e.e. the remote instrument may momentarily display a higher sound pressure level. which will then quickly come down to the regular ambient noise level.e. The following screen shows what type of information is available during a transfer: • • • • • The total number of bytes to transfer (i. 1) The percentage of the current record that has been transferred (i. the 706RC will automatically delete the partially transferred record from its memory.e. 2) The record currently being transferred (i. After the data upload is complete. 117kB) The percentage of total bytes transferred (i. 80%)
If the operator of the 706RC elects to cancel a transfer. the 706RC's screen will display transfer statistics. This is normal. the 706RC will continuously attempt to complete the transfer.If the beam is broken during a file transfer.

With the microphone replaced by an equivalent electrical impedance, the instrument was placed in a sound field of 100 dBSPL. The acoustic signal (sine wave) was swept from 31.5 Hz to 8000 Hz at a 0.1 octave/second rate. The strong acoustic field did not affect the reading on the instrument.

The entire instrument (including the microphone and preamplifier) was sinusoidally vibrated at an acceleration of 1 m/s2 at 1/3 octave frequencies from 10 Hz to 1000 Hz. The results of this test are shown in the following tables. X Axis: Acceleration parallel to the mic diaphragm (mic/ preamp body was laid on its side on the shaker) Y Axis:

Microphone extension cables cannot be used with the Spark series meters. The calibration procedure for the Spark series meters is described on page 2.13 and 3.11 of this manual. The reference frequency is 1000 Hz. At power-on, the Spark series meters will not proceed to a running condition until it is allowed to stabilize. A short stabilization time (approx. 5 seconds) is also invoked when certain settings (Weighting, Gain, etc.) are changed. The Larson Davis ADP046 should be substituted for the MPR001 microphone when performing electrical tests on the Spark series meters. • • • • Dose, Projected Dose, Time Weighted Average (TWA), and Leq Exposure in Pa2S and Pa2H, (including the E8 and E40 calculations) SPL, Lmax, Lmin, and Lpeak Exceedance count and duration for 115 and 120 dBSPL (RMS), and 140 dBSPL (Peak) SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual

2 minute (typical) data retention for clock during battery change. 5 second download (typical time required to transfer 8 hours of data, sampled at a 60 second rate, from a Spark ® instrument to the Blaze software)

The Spark noise dosimeters store a time-history sample once every 1, 5, 15, 30, or 60 seconds (user selectable). If necessary, longer sample periods can be calculated by the ® Blaze software. Each time history sample contains the Leq, Lmax, Lmin, and Peak level for each sample period. In addition, four time weighted averages (TWAs) for each sample period are also stored (the four TWAs have four corresponding user selectable exchange rates and thresholds). In addition to the time history samples, the Spark instruments also store an LN table once every 5 minutes. The LN table has bins from 60dB to 150dB in 0.5dB increments. Storage Capacity of Spark Instruments 4 Mbyte Memory Maximum Storage Time (hh:mm) 54:48 221:41 450:01 606:06 733:16

705+ Run-time and still downloadable (hrs) 24
Notes: • All of the above times are with units using alkaline batteries.Running at Various Temperatures
Dosimeter 703. the user may encounter problems during the downloading if the run-times are longer than the times listed in the table below. Total Run-time @ -10°C (hrs) 70 14 Total Run-time @ 25°C (hrs) 100 35
705. Times will be somewhat shorter if running with NiCd or NiMH batteries. 704. they tend to consume more battery energy during the downloading of data. however. Run-times will be somewhat shorter if running with NiCd or NiMH batteries.
705 and 705+ downloading after run-times Because the 705and 705+ units use only one battery. 706RC. If problems are encounter during downloading of data simply install a fresh battery. the data will still be safe. 706.
Dosimeter 705. All of the above times are with units using alkaline batteries. 705+
Notes: • • • The reduction of run-times in colder environments is due to the chemical attributes and nature of the batteries.
A-10
General Characteristics
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. 703+. Run-times at higher temperatures will give similar runtimes as those of 25°C. The times in the table above still apply for continuous run-times. Below are times listed on how long the unit can run and still be able to download data with no problems.

D o s e : 5 k in d s : ( IS O + 4 u s e r s e le c te d )
P r o je c te d D o se (5 .)
PLUS: 4 . Those with both a keypad and a display can be operated manually. a s w it h D o s e )
TW A 4 (U se r s e le c te d )
SEL
SPL
Leq
L m in
Lm ax
Lpeak ( U n w e ig h te d o r C w g h t . if using the 706RC. They are designed to measure workplace noise exposure The specific metrics measured are described below. With the exception of the 704. Many can also be operated in the field using the 706RC remote control unit. downloaded to the 706RC ® and subsequently to the Blaze software.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
B-1
. communicating with the instrument via an infrared link.6 Overall Ln values (Ln values can be changed even after measurement) Operation The table below indicates the operational modes of the different Spark instruments.APPENDIX
B
Frequently Asked Questions
Measurements and Interfaces
This FAQ answers the following questions: • • • • Metrics Measured What do the Spark Family of Instruments measure? How do are they utilized? How do they communicate with the computer and other instruments? What data reports can be produced?
The Spark Family of Instruments are personal noise dosimeters. as indicated in the column entitled "Remote Control Capability". When operated manually in the field. all Spark ® instruments can be setup and operated using the Blaze software. measured data ® can be subsequently downloaded to the Blaze software for reporting or.

Identifying the COM Port
Step 1 Go to Start. Step 4 Within Device Manager.
Step 2 Within System Properties go to the Hardware tab. This will ensure that the ® connection will be clear for Blaze . Step 5 Close Device Manager and System Properties. and double click System. and click on Device Manager.
Step 3 Within Device Manager if you see anything that has to do with an IR port. SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual Frequently Asked Questions B-3
. You can see in the example above that the correct COM port is next to "ATEN USB to Serial Bridge" (COM9 in this example). go to Ports to see which COM port to use. This is the COM port you will use in ® Blaze . Control Panel. disable it.

select which COM port it is attached to. or select the DVX008A or DVX009 if one of these is being used instead.
B-4
Connecting the IR Interface
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. Clicking OK will resolve the times and the Instrument Manager will come up.
Click Connect to make the connection. These all will appear in the Select COM Port pull down menu as the following: • • DVX008 appears as "COMn <Communications Port>" DVX008A with DVX008 appears as "COMn <DVX008A ATEN Serial to USB Bridge with DVX008>" DVX009 appears as "COMn <DVX009 Infrared (IR) interface with USB>"
•
NOTE: A text box may come up stating that the instrument time needs to be resolved with the computer time.Connecting to a Spark Dosimeter in Blaze
Step 6
®
®
Open Blaze . and go to Options. Connection…
®
Step 7 Step 8
Insure that the instrument type is Spark
If using a DVX008.

For example. so the actual noise exposure is spread out (or normalized) over the normalization time period. The measurement period is generally shorter. the Criterion Duration is the normalization time period. and the Run Time is the measurement period. Criterion duration is typically 8 hours.d)
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Glossary
C-1
. The current OSHA criterion level is 90 dB. of a constant sound over a specified normalization time period (Tn) that contains the same energy as the actual (unsteady) sound measured over a stated measurement period (T2 .d of 83 dB (Criterion Duration = 8 hours). A check for variations between the measured level and a reference level .no adjustment is made to the system. LEP. Criterion duration is the time required for a continually applied sound of the selected criterion level to produce a dose of 100%.APPENDIX
C
Glossary
A-weight A standard frequency weighting to simulate the response of the human ear.
®
Calibration
Calibration Check
Criterion Duration
Criterion Level
C-weight
Daily Personal Noise Exposure (LEP. A standard frequency weighting that simulates the response of the human ear to high amplitude (loud) noise.d is the level. In Blaze . a measured Leq of 86 dB (Run Time = 4 hours) will produce an LEP.T1). It is the level of a sound which will produce a dose of 100% if continually applied for the criterion time. Adjustment of the system so that the measured sound level agrees with a reference sound source. expressed in dB.

2 ⎛1 P (t) ⎞ ---------------. Leq is annotated as LAeq or LCeq (A or C frequency weighted Leq)
Dose Exchange Rate
Equivalent-Continuous Sound Level or Leq
C-2
Glossary
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. or 6. d = Leq + 10 L og 10 [ ( T2 – T1 ) ⁄ Tn ] dB
Leq = frequency weighted (A or C). which in a given time period (T= T2 .dt⎟ dB L EP. The current OSHA exchange rate is 5. On the Spark dosimeters. 20 μPa Tn = normalization period (Criterion Duration) T2 .T1) has the same energy as does a time varying sound. A value of 3 will produce Leq-like levels. Leq is the level of a constant sound.T1 = measurement period (Run Time) Detector Rate See Frequency and Exponential-Time Weighted Sound Level. 4. Exchange rate is defined in ANSI S1. 5. an Leq is recorded for the entire record’s Run Time. First. etc. d = 10 L og 10 ⎜ 2 T n ⎝ T P0 ⎠ 1
∫
T2
OR
L EP. For the Spark dosimeters. hours). sound pressure in pascals P0 = reference sound pressure. an Leq value is recorded for 2 different time intervals. an Leq is recorded for each individual time history sample. 12. Possible values for this field are 3. See Noise Dose.In Blaze. equivalent-continuous sound pressure level in dB P(t) = instantaneous. expressed in dB. 10. frequency weighted (A or C).25 as "the change in sound level corresponding to a doubling or halving of the duration of sound level while a constant percentage of criterion exposure is maintained".d is annotated as Lep(x) where x represents the normalization time period or Criterion Duration (i.e. 8. Second. LEP.

dt⎟ dB 2 ⎠ P0
P(t) = instantaneous. then the noise dose after 8 hours will be 12. After 1 hour. and the criterion duration is 8 hours.. T = T2 . sound pressure in pascals T = measurement period (Run Time or time history interval). Also.5%.5%.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Glossary
C-3
. the worker’s noise dose will be 12. The x in TWA(x) represents the criterion duration. and the TWA will be 90.0 dB. 20 μPa
∫
T2
T1
2 P (t) ⎞ -----------. A TWA(8) of 75 dB indicates that if the worker is instead exposed to a noise environment with a TWA of 75 dB. expressed in dB.0 dB.T1
Equivalent Time Weighted Average or TWA(x)
The level of a constant sound. the criterion level is 90 dB.
⎛1 Leq = 10 L og 10 ⎜ -⎝T
P0 = reference sound pressure. assume that the exchange rate is 5. which if measured for a time period equal to the criterion duration. suppose a worker is exposed to a noise environment with a TWA of 90 dB. For example. the TWA(8) will be 75. frequency weighted (A or C). will produce the currently measured noise dose.

For example.-------------------------------------. On the Spark display.
⎛ 1 P2 ( ξ ) e–( t – ξ ) ⁄ τ ⎞ -.nential-time weighted sound level.dξ⎟ dB Lw τ = 10 L og 10 ⎜τ 2 ⎝ –∞ ⎠ P0
t
∫
Lwτ = frequency and exponential-time weighted sound level in dB w designates the frequency weighting (A or C) τ designates the exponential time constant (SLOW or FAST)
ξ = dummy variable of time integration
P(t) = instantaneous. Second. of the frequency and exponential-time weighted sound level (Lwτ) in a given time interval. an Lmax is recorded for the entire record’s Run Time. Lmin Lmin is the minimum value. an Lmax is recorded for each individual time history sample. on a Spark dosimeter LASmx signifies the maximum. frequency weighted (A or C). First. C weighted. A weighted. 20 μPa t = time of observation
τ = exponential time constant SLOW (1 second) or FAST (0. Lmax is the maximum value. the Lmax annotation includes the current settings for frequency weighting and exponential-time weighting. SLOW level. the time interval is the record’s Run Time. LCFmx signifies the maximum.125 seconds)
Frequency Weighting See Frequency and Exponential-Time Weighted Sound Level See Daily Personal Noise Exposure. FAST level. of the frequency and exponential-time weighted sound level (Lwτ) in a given time interval. For the Spark dosimeters. Similarly. expressed in dB. FAST level. an Lmax value is recorded for 2 different time intervals.d Lmax
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Glossary
C-5
. For the Spark dosimeters.
LEP. LCF signifies the C weighted. Similarly. sound pressure in pascals P0 = reference sound pressure. expressed in dB.

Noise dose is the percentage of time that a person is exposed to noise that is potentially damaging to hearing. FAST level. the time interval is the record’s Run Time. The allowed time of exposure is determined by the Criterion Duration and by the sound level (the higher the level. LCFmn signifies the minimum. For example. The sound levels must be measured with A-weighting in frequency and slow-exponential weighting in time. Ln An Ln is the frequency and exponential-time weighted sound level (Lwτ) that is exceeded n percent of the time in a give time interval. A weighted. C weighted. For example. 30. In Blaze. 90.On the Spark display. Different Ln values can be entered and recalculated in Blaze. The default Ln percentages are 10. expressed in dB. on a Spark dosimeter LASmn signifies the minimum. L10 is that sound level. Zero represents no exposure and 100 or more represents complete exposure. which was exceeded for 10% of the total Run Time. Similarly.
Noise Dose
C-6
Glossary
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. 70. It is calculated by dividing the actual time of exposure by the allowed time of exposure. the Lmin annotation includes the current settings for frequency weighting and exponential-time weighting. the shorter the allowed time). 50. SLOW level.

The user specifies the exchange rate. expressed in dB. The level of a constant sound. criterion
Time Weighted Average (TWA)
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
Glossary
C-9
. sound pressure in pascals T2 .T1 = measurement period (Run Time) Sound Exposure (SE) Sound Exposure is the total sound energy of the actual sound in a given time interval.
T2
E =
∫
T1
P ( t ) dt
2
P(t) = instantaneous. Blaze denotes sound exposure as SE.25-1991 refers to the time weighted average as Lav or average sound level." The threshold should be selected to be within the measurement range of the instrument which is between 70 dB and 140 dB for the Spark.25 defines threshold as "a sound level below which the dosimeter produces little or no dose accumulation as specified in this stand.T1 = measurement period (Run Time) Threshold Level ANSI S1. The Spark dosimeters simultaneously calculate 4 separate TWA values.
T2 T2
8 E 8 = -T
∫
T1
P ( t ) dt
2
and
E 40
40 = ----T
∫
T1
P ( t ) dt
2
P(t) = instantaneous. The current OSHA threshold is 80 dB. frequency weighted (A or C). On the Spark display.. which in a given time period (T = T2 . frequency weighted (A or C). The units for sound exposure are Pa2S (pascal squared seconds) or Pa2H (pascal squared hours).T1) would expose a person to the same noise dose as the actual (unsteady) sound over the same period. the time interval is the record’s Run Time. sound pressure in pascals T2 . sound exposure is shown as EA or EC (A or C frequency weighted sound exposure). ANSI S1. For the Spark dosimeters.

Technical support is also available by email: support@larsondavis.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting D-1
. If you are using a 705+/705/703+/703.
The First Step
The first step in solving problems in IR communications is to establish that the 706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 is operating. The 706 can be set to automatically power down after a specified time from within the power menu (see page 3-27).APPENDIX
D
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/ 703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
If you are having difficulty establishing communication between your 706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 and computer. This section will help you get your infrared communications working in the shortest amount of time. please contact Larson Davis technical support. feel free to call Larson-Davis technical support to help you with the infrared communications. install new batteries. set the AUTO OFF function on the 706 TO NEVER. this section is provided to help you with a few basic steps to setting up IR communication. Still Having Problems? If you are still experiencing problems. To disable this feature. If the units do not power up. the green LED should be blinking. If you prefer. it should be powered on.com. If you are using a 706RC/706.

. For optimal data transfer performance. remove it.Additional IR Connection Solutions
The following suggestions and procedures will help in resolving most connection problems. shade the instrument and IR interface module. Ensure latest version of Blaze is being used. Ensure that IR interface module is firmly secured to the PC (either to the serial or USB port). If using in bright or direct sunlight. If the COM port that the IR adapter is connected to is still being used by ® another program. Ensure that the IR lens on both the instrument and the IR interface module are clean and not obstructed from each other. You can find the version by clicking on Help on the main menu and About Blaze. gloss white or stainless steel surface) try moving them to a non-reflective surface. A connection to a Spark instrument can now be made by ® simply selecting the "Connect" icon in Blaze .
® ®
•
• •
• •
Direct Serial Connection
The software provided with the DVX008 should not be used. If instrument and IR interface module are sitting on a reflective surface (i. it is recommended that the instrument be placed a distance between one and three feet from the IR interface module. If it has already been installed. Install new or freshly charged batteries.
®
D-2
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. General Information • • • • Ensure the unit is powered on. Blaze will display the following error message..e. Ensure that all other Spark instruments are facing away from the IR interface module.

The version can be found by clicking on Help in the main menu and About Blaze. • If DVX008A (with DVX008) or DVX009 is being used. reconfiguring the port through the Connections Settings dialog box is not necessary. try connecting the IR adapter to a different COM port. a Larson Davis DVX008A (with DVX008) or a DVX009 USB-to-IR interface module should be used instead. Try using a different COM port. and Connection. If switching to another COM port. ensure that the COM port number is switched as well. if available. • Ensure the latest version of Blaze is being used. Ensure that the corresponding COM port is being used."A connection could not be established. using the Connections Settings dialog box. Try using the IR interface module with an externally powered USB hub. try using a different USB port. Click on the "Options" selection near the tool bar at the top of the window and select "Connection".
®
If using the DVX008 IR interface module: • • Verify no other programs have control of the COM port.
USB Connection
If a direct COM serial port is not available on the computer being used. Make sure your instrument is turned on and pointing at the IR receiver and that the receiver is plugged into the correct Com port" In this case.
®
•
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
D-3
. This can be found by clicking on Options on the main menu. Find out what the connection settings are for the ® Blaze software.
Note: If the DVX008A or DVX009 is switched to a different USB port. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Open the Blaze software.

it will provide the following message. which will place a check mark as shown above. Blaze will always search for a virtual COM port upon startup. as shown below.
®
®
When enabled.
®
®
Blaze Connection Wizard for IR Communications
The Blaze software contains a Connection Wizard to aid in troubleshooting any possible IR connection problems ® ® between Blaze and a Spark instrument.
®
®
D-4
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.Blaze Check for COM Port
The Options menu on the Blaze toolbar includes Check for virtual port at startup. This Connection Wizard will start automatically if an instrument is not found on a connection attempt. To enable this. click on this feature. When Blaze detects a COM port is present and available.

If using the DVX008.To start the Connection Wizard manually for initial setup.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
D-5
. Note that the rest of the instructions for the Connection Wizard are the same whether it was started manually or automatically. ensure that it is plugged into the COM port that is being selected here.
Select the IR interface module you are using and click Next.
Select Spark and click Next. click on Options in the main menu and then on Connection Wizard to open the screen shown below.

Highlight the port on which the desired IR interface module is connected. The LED on the top of the IR dongle should light up.
D-6
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
. click Next. Click Next. and to ensure that it is working properly.
To ensure that the IR interface module is connected correctly to the PC. If it does. click on the TEST IR DONGLE button.

click Finish.
Place the instrument facing towards the IR interface module.
Before finishing. Try testing with another COM or USB port. at between 12" and 36" and click Next. ensure that all of the criterion listed are satisfied and after verifying and checking each.
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
D-7
.If it does not light up. ensure that the dongle is properly connected to the PC.

or in the US toll free (888) 258-3222. please call Larson Davis Technical Support at (716) 926-8243.
If none of thee suggestions help. please follow the troubleshooting suggestions listed in the screen below.If the IR connection is successful.
If the connection was not successful. the Blaze Instrument Manager will be displayed.
D-8
706RC/706/705+/705/703+/703 IR Communications Troubleshooting
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.

Classification MSHA approved for use in gassy underground mines Approval No.S. one of the following battery types must be used when this instrument is operated in an explosive environment. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration
Warning! For safe operation.
To comply with the intrinsic safety rating of this instrument. Do not replace batteries in an explosive atmosphere. 2G-4121-0 Methane Air Mixtures Only
Applicable Standards Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations Part 18 NOTE: This approval is from the U. or mix batteries from different manufacturers.
F-2
Intrinsic Safety Approvals
SPARK® and BLAZE® User Manual
.
o Duracell_MN1500 AA Alkaline
o Eveready_ Energizer_ E91 AA Alkaline
Warning! To reduce the risk of explosion do not mix old batteries with new batteries.